This letter is in response to the recent case of a drunken driver who had 13 convictions for drunken driving. It seems that in this type of a case, the courts are only concerned if someone is injured due to a drunken driver. I feel our drunken driving laws are much too lenient and should be strengthened.
The following are some interesting facts from other countries around the world, and if you think American drunken driving laws are tough, consider this for first offenses:
England - One year supervision, one year jail, $250 fine.
Poland - Offenders are jailed, fined and forced to attend political lectures.
El Salvador - Your first conviction is your last. Execution by firing squad.
Norway - The penalty is three weeks in jail at hard labor, and one-year loss of license. Second offense within five years - the license is revoked for life.
Finland/Sweden - Automatic jail - one year at hard labor.
Bulgaria - A second conviction results in execution.
Russia - License is revoked for life.
Malaya- The driver is jailed. If he/she is married the spouse is jailed too.
France - Three year loss of license, one year in jail, $1,000 fine.
South Africa - The penalty is a 10-year prison sentence, or the equivalent of a $10,000 fine or both.
Turkey - Drunks are taken 30 miles from town by the police and forced to walk back under escort.
Australia - The names of the drivers are printed in local newspapers under the heading, "He/She's drunk and in jail."
PATRICK YEAGER
Carson City