For driving under the influence, five vehicle drivers were caught in the Riga region, four each in Vidzeme and Kurzeme, three in Zemgale, as well as one in Latgale.
Seven administrative violation proceedings and 10 criminal proceedings have been initiated for driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Car confiscation will be applied in four cases.
In the past 24 hours, 216 speeders were caught on Latvian roads, including 67 in Vidzeme, 57 in Kurzeme, 55 in Latgale, 28 in Zemgale and nine in the Riga region.
In total, 425 decisions on administrative violations were made in the field of road traffic last day, including 112 administrative violations recorded in Latgale, and 103 in Vidzeme.
It has already been announced that in November 2022, amendments to the Criminal Law entered into force, which provide for criminal liability for driving a vehicle or teaching to drive a vehicle, if the concentration of alcohol found in the exhaled air or blood test exceeds 1.5 parts per thousand. Likewise, criminal liability is provided for driving a vehicle or teaching to drive a vehicle while under the influence of narcotic, psychotropic, toxic or other intoxicating substances.
In addition, the vehicle is confiscated if the owner drove it under the influence of alcohol or refused to be tested for the presence of intoxicating substances in the body. In cases where the vehicle driven while intoxicated belongs to another person, the full or partial value of this vehicle shall be recovered from the guilty person.
Interview Title: Navigating the Dangers of Driving Under the Influence and Speeding: A Conversation with Road Safety Expert Dr. Maris Lielais
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Lielais. Thank you for joining us today. With recent reports highlighting the alarming number of drivers caught under the influence and speeding on Latvian roads, can you shed some light on the current statistics in this area?
Dr. Maris Lielais: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Indeed, it is concerning. Recently, in just one day, we saw five drivers caught for driving under the influence in the Riga region alone, along with several others in different parts of the country. This paints a troubling picture of road safety in Latvia.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Those figures are quite alarming. To break it down further, we had a total of 10 criminal proceedings initiated for driving under the influence. What does this say about driver behavior in our society?
Dr. Maris Lielais: It signifies a significant disregard for the law and, more importantly, for the safety of others on the road. The initiation of 10 criminal proceedings indicates a pattern of behavior that needs urgent addressing. We’re seeing not just repeat offenders, but a culture where so many still believe they can drive safely after consuming alcohol.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned earlier about the consequences of these actions, such as car confiscation. Can you elaborate on how car confiscation plays a role in deterring future offenses?
Dr. Maris Lielais: Car confiscation serves as a tangible consequence that emphasizes the severity of driving under the influence. In four of these cases, the confiscation is a clear message: if you choose to endanger others, you risk losing your vehicle as a result. It’s a measure aimed at disrupting the cycle of risky behavior by making individuals think twice before driving impaired.
Time.news Editor: Moving on to speeding, which remains a significant issue as well. The recent report noted that 216 speeders were caught in just 24 hours. How intertwined are the issues of speeding and driving under the influence?
Dr. Maris Lielais: They are intricately linked. Both actions reflect a reckless attitude towards road safety. Speeding, much like driving under the influence, impairs judgment and reaction times, making accidents far more likely. When individuals are under the influence, they are more prone to speed, compounding the risks involved.
Time.news Editor: With such a high number of speeders caught recently, what proactive measures can authorities take to improve road safety?
Dr. Maris Lielais: Authorities need to enhance their visibility and enforcement measures. Increased patrols, especially during peak times known for party-goers, could deter impaired driving. Additionally, public education campaigns that stress the dangers of both speeding and DUI can change mindsets over time. Long-term investment in infrastructure, like better road signage and lighting, also plays a crucial role in promoting safer driving habits.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is essential. From your experience, do you believe public attitudes are shifting regarding these dangerous practices?
Dr. Maris Lielais: There is a slow shift happening, particularly among younger generations who are more inclined to embrace ride-sharing services and public transport. However, we still have a long way to go. Consistent messaging about the dangers of drinking and driving or speeding needs to be reinforced through various community initiatives.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lielais, for these insights. It’s clear we need immediate and decisive actions to tackle these critical issues.
Dr. Maris Lielais: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for all of us to advocate for safer roads and to encourage responsible behavior among drivers.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Let’s hope change comes swiftly. Thank you again for your time.