Russia’s Drunk-Driving Law Amended To Allow One For The Road

by M Dee Dubroff

How Has Russia’s Zero Tolerance Drunk-Driving Law Changed?

According to news sources, as of last month, motorists in Russia will be allowed to have a small drink before taking the wheel. Previously, even one drink was a serious infraction of the law. This alteration is surprising, especially considering that Russia has one of world’s worst driving safety records. According to government figures, more than 33,000 Russians died in traffic accidents in 2007, and drunken driving caused at least 15,000 road accidents.

A spokesman for the State Traffic Inspectorate said:

“The maximum blood-alcohol level is now raised from zero to 0.3 grams per liter of blood to move in line with international standards.”

How are Russians reacting to this alteration in the Zero Tolerance Drunk-Driving Law?

The issue has divided Russian motorists. Critics claim the change in the Zero Tolerance Drunk-Driving Law not only condones drunk driving, but will also lead to even more road fatalities. Supporters of the change, notably the Interior Ministry’s Road Safety Department, claim that it will bring Russia’s traffic laws in line with what is accepted in many parts of the world. (This is assuming that there will be any Russians left after this new law takes it toll on Russian highways.)

What are some of the other repercussions that can be expected from the changes in Russia’s Zero Tolerance Drunk-Driving Law?

Some critics argue that the new law will only make the Russian traffic police more corrupt. They are often accused of taking bribes to let off drivers who have been drinking. Now more opportunities will arise because the law places even more power in officer's hands.

Who knows what the Russian government was thinking when they lifted the ban on drinking and driving? Perhaps those in charge had a bit too much to drink as well?

I don’t know about you, but if I ever find myself in Russia, I will try my best to take the train.

M Dee Dubroff
Russian Innovations
InventorSpot.com

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Comments

Overreaction

Submitted on August 18th, 2008 by Anonymous

I think you and the Russians are over-reacting. One alcoholic beverage will not affect your driving enough to increase road accidents significantly. If Russia's traffic safety is so bad, either everyone is driving drunk anyways, or they need to reexamine their driver's ed programs and traffic laws. I agree with the sentiment that this move is simply aligning their laws to the international standard.

More money for lawyers

Submitted on August 18th, 2008 by Anonymous

If the law in the USA was no drinking period before getting behind the wheel, the trial lawyers, judges, and "the system" (i.e. driver responsibility fees, increased insurance, tow companies) would lose a ton of money.

Its a system to take money plain and simple. Why? Because it is subjective. If you are pulled over in Russia now, blowing a .03 is okay. Breathalyzers go to 3 significant figures anyhow, so although a 0.030 is acceptable, a 0.031 is not.

Its all about the money. If the law was changed to zero tolerance, lawyers, judges, cops and many more people would be out of a job.

Whats with all the Russian posts?

Submitted on August 19th, 2008 by Anonymous

I've been coming to this site for a long time and ever since the Russia/Georgia conflict so many of the new headlines have been about Russia! Whats going on. Is the person who runs this site Russian?

Russian topics

Submitted on August 21st, 2008 by M Dee Dubroff

To answer your question, I am of half-Rusian ancestry but I am a second generation American and my allegiance is totally to the US. Russian innovations was a topic that was suggested to me as an interesting one worthy of disussion. If the powers that be had the conflict with Georgia in mind, I wouldn't know. Maybe so, maybe no. In any case, I hope you enjoy the articles and find them interesting and informative. If there is an ulterior motive to their selection, I assure you that is it.

Best to you

Yours in Words,

M Dee Dubroff

Russian Innovations

the Russian star drank away the secrets of Platinum chewing gum

Submitted on September 23rd, 2008 by Anonymous

Just imagine what will happend if they have the right to drink whenever they want?
To give u an idea, i post an article below:

Platinum chewing gum - the Russian star drank away the secrets of platinum brand.

This time its in news for plane to cancel the contract with a world famous Russian sportswoman, who was previously roped in as the brand ambassador for the brand in Russia.
This move from the company comes in the heels of leaked information regarding brand’s secret plans.
Information of this venture blabbered in bits and tits, by one of the celebrity brand ambassador at an elite party on a Russian Billionaire’s yacht in an intoxicated state under the influence of alcohol, has caught the ears of the media.
The Brand is now contemplating measures to sue the Russian sport star for leaking confidential information and brand's strategy.
Platinum EXT Nanogum, an exclusive brand famous in the market for its aggressive stance on technological and innovative advances with Platinum Nanoparticles, is supposed to make a formal announcement in this regard anytime in the near future.

Hi anonymous

Submitted on September 24th, 2008 by M Dee Dubroff

You certanly do raise a very important point and I thank you for posting it after my article.

You are absolutely right!

Yours in Words,

M Dee Dubroff

Russian Innovations