Drink driving violations down from last year

There were 1,785 drink driving violations in the first nine months of this year, a 23 percent decrease from the same period last year. Traffic Police figures show that there were also fewer deaths from drink driving related accidents from January to September this year as well - nine compared to 12 last year.

As part of ongoing enforcement against drink driving, Traffic Police officers set up several road blocks across Singapore during the early hours of Thursday morning, the 3^rd of December. Besides targeting errant motorists found to be drink driving, the operation ties in with the start of the festive season to remind all drivers to be responsible on the roads.

In addition, the Traffic Police has also rolled out a new message for motorists this year - "If you drink, we trust you won't drive. Use your RoadSense." Assistant Superintendent Muhd Firdous Haniff, who headed the operations at Clemenceau Avenue, reminded motorists that drink driving is a very serious offence that carries severe penalties.

If convicted, drink drivers will be disqualified from driving for 12 to 14 months. They may also lose their driving licences. First-time offenders can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000. Repeat offenders may be punished with a maximum fine of $30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. They may also be caned up to six strokes if death or serious injury is caused.