Tales of Inebriation

25th June 2008

... Comments

Drunken antics around the world ...

OK, these items have nothing to do with Stamford, but whilst I don't in any way condone irresponsible drinking, they did strike me as interesting when I found them on the web this week ...

In the tropical northern Queenland city of Cairns in Australia Police charged a man for drunken driving in a motorized wheelchair - the man was found to be six times over the legal limit! Apparently the guy was asleep at the controls and was in the turning lane of a major motorway. Other motorists were having to swerve to avoid him.

Under the state's road laws, wheelchairs, bicycles, skateboards and horses are all considered to be vehicles, for which, presumably you can be done for being drunk in charge of.does anyone know if the same applies here? ...and
In Vladivostock Russia a drunk driver knocked over a traffic policeman and then drove for about a kilometer with the policeman clinging to the roof of his car, only stopping when the policeman fired 8 rounds from his gun. The unhurt driver is in prison awaiting charge, and the policeman only sustained grazes to his right arm. Talk about taking his duties seriously ... and
Italy is confiscating drunk or drugged drivers' cars in an attempt to lower one of western Europe's highest road casualaty rates.

Any driver testing positive for illegal substances or with blood alcohol levels exceeding the limits can have their car confiscated, as well as a large fines and a jail sentence.

The cars will be auctioned off or used by the police - this is what already happens to vehicles confiscated from mafia offenders and drug dealers. Breathalysers aren't used very much in Italy, and they have a very high road accident rate.

Makes you glad we live in the UK!

There are plenty of places to enjoy a drink in Stamford, just click here for some suggestions. But please drink responsibly!