Alcohol is the primary enemy of road safety. Even in the smallest doses, it directly affects the brain, resulting in the driver being unable to react in time in a dangerous situation. Unconsciousness, irresponsibility, and indifference lead to grief. Many believe that a glass of wine or one or two shots of vodka will not affect their driving. No one considers that driving a vehicle while intoxicated is prohibited by law and entails not only a significant fine but also the revocation of the driving license for 3 years. For many drivers, a vehicle is a source of income. A driver under the influence is also unconcerned about the fact that loved ones are in the car, whose safety, first and foremost, depends on the driver.
The following signs may be sufficient grounds to believe that a person is intoxicated: the smell of alcohol from the mouth; unsteady posture; pronounced trembling of the fingers; slurred speech; a sudden change in facial skin colour; behaviour inconsistent with the situation.
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 an examination, the fine ranges from 50 to 100 base units. In addition, the driver will be deprived of the right to drive all types of vehicles for a period of 3 years.
If a driver commits such an offence for the second time within a year, the vehicle, including one not belonging to them, shall be confiscated. Penalties also include the revocation of the driving license for up to five years with correctional labour, arrest, or restriction of liberty with a fine of up to one thousand base units, as well as imprisonment for up to two years.
Despite strict measures, some drivers allow themselves to drive while intoxicated. Over 11 months of 2019, 2443 intoxicated drivers were apprehended on the roads of the Vitebsk region. 85 drivers drove while intoxicated for the second time within a year. Due to intoxicated drivers, 39 road traffic accidents occurred, in which 15 people died and 41 were injured.
At the same time, across the Republic of Belarus, every third road traffic accident caused by pedestrians and every fourth by cyclists was committed while intoxicated.