ONE FOR THE MORGUE
SIR,—By the time you read this your leader- heading, 'One for the Morgue,' will have proved tragically prophetic for dozens of Christmas road- users. It is therefore alarming to find you support- ing the view that '. . . driving under the influence is not a crime in the same way, say, that theft is a crime.' It is known that alcohol in the blood impairs driving performance and increases the like- lihood of accidents. It follows that anyone who drinks and drives is deliberately increasing the chances of another road-user being killed or in- jured. Is this not criminal? And all the time we hesitate to translate indignation into legislation we are only encouraging the 'one more for the road' maniacs to slaughter more of us.
Do you really believe that any whisky-drinking driver '. . . remains cautious and safe even when he has consumed a bottle'? This is nonsense of the most dangerous kind, yet all those muzzy-headed drivers who will stagger from their pubs and parties tonight will be convinced that you have described them exactly.
We know the effects of alcohol, we have measur- ing methods, and we have Scandinavian experience to assure us that legislation will work. So why hesitate? Too many tender toes in high places?
How are yours. . ? JOHN POWELL 4 Sea field Terrace, Colientore Road, Mach Co. Dublin, Eire
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