Groups demand tougher drunk driving penalties
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The Drunk Driving Victims’ Network and Alcohol Watch, led by Jetsada Yaemsabai, filed a petition at the Justice Ministry permanent secretary’s office calling for heavier punishments for drunk drivers, including prosecution for attempted murder.
As well as requesting that a Traffic Court be established to deal with |road accidents, they also suggested that restaurants, pubs and bars |should be held responsible for customers who drive after leaving their premises under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, disabled victims and families of people killed as a result |of drunk driving urged the Justice |Ministry to protect the rights of victims against insurance |companies that paid low rates of compensation.
“Many people are killed or injured in car accidents caused by drunk drivers every month.
“Every victim is heavily affected and cannot live by just relying on a disability allowance,” said one victim.
Justice Ministry deputy permanent secretary Tawatchai Thaikyo said that in some other countries, drunk |drivers who cause serious road accidents can be charged with attempted murder but in Thailand, they only face charges of reckless driving.
