ONE FOR THE ROAD
on drunken drivers, either. If he is right, then surely the logi- cal deduction is that it is a waste of time increasing the length of prison sentences that such offenders can serve? The reason why magistrates and juries will riot pass 'proper'—i.e., prison —sentences on the reckless or drunken motorist is because every magistrate or juryman who is also a driver knows in his heart of hearts that there, but for the grace of God, goes he. Even the most careful driver knows that he has innumerable moments of inattention, carelessness, or selfishness which in the unlucky event of an accident would qualify him for a reckless driving charge. The answer to the menace of the dangerous driver is not to try to bracket him with the criminal, but to take his hand off the steering wheel. A jury which would hesitate whether to send a drunken driver to prison will have no hesitation in finding him guilty if the penalty, in addition to the appropriate fine, is forfeiture of his driving licence.
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