The traffic police will hold a Unified Road Safety Day across Belarus on December 30, under the slogan "Stop the disaster - call 102!", dedicated to the prevention of offenses and road traffic accidents committed while intoxicated. BELTA was informed about this by the Main Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The traffic police will hold a Unified Road Safety Day across Belarus on December 30, under the slogan "Stop the disaster - call 102!", dedicated to the prevention of offenses and road traffic accidents committed while intoxicated. BELTA was informed about this by the Main Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Traffic police officers will visit work collectives, hold discussions on the problem of drunk driving, explain to road users the responsibility for traffic violations, and also strengthen control over the physical condition of drivers and pedestrians, the Main Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.
Legislation regarding those who drink and drive is constantly being tightened. If a driver commits such a violation for the second time within a year, the vehicle, even if it does not belong to them, will be confiscated. Exceptions include cases of hijacking or theft. Penalties also include deprivation of driving rights for up to five years with correctional labor, arrest, or restriction of liberty with a fine of up to one thousand basic units, and in some cases, imprisonment for up to two years.
In cases where a driver is brought to justice for the first time for driving while intoxicated, transferring a vehicle to an intoxicated person, or refusing a medical examination, the fine ranges from 50 to 100 basic units (one basic unit is currently Br21). In addition, the driver is deprived of the right to drive all types of vehicles for 3 years.
If a traffic violation committed while intoxicated results in a person's death or grievous bodily harm, punishment of up to 7 years of imprisonment is provided, and for the same actions, negligently causing the death of two or more persons, up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Despite the rather strict measures, a significant number of drivers still allow themselves to drive while intoxicated, the Main Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated. Thus, over 23,000 people were detained in the first 11 months of this year. 1,300 drivers drove drunk again within the year. During the same period, 320 road traffic accidents occurred due to drunk drivers, in which 63 people died and 374 were injured.
The Department of Internal Affairs reminded that the effect of alcohol on the human nervous system manifests itself in an exaggeration of one's own strengths and abilities. A driver in such a state, as a rule, loses their sense of responsibility, disregards real dangers, and loses sight of the possible consequences of their actions. It is within the power of relatives and simply eyewitnesses of what is happening to stop a drunk person who is about to get behind the wheel.
The State Automobile Inspectorate urges citizens who see drunk people driving or on the roadway to immediately report it by calling 102.