The police commissioner Frank Prendergast on Friday last week revealed that 10 people have been arrested as a result of the first usage of breathalyzers.
The first ten are going to face tough consequences under the newly passed laws.
When parliament was about to pass this new traffic laws, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has embarked on a widespread public awareness regarding the use of breathalyzers and possible punishments.
The police force even explained the processes, how police will execute the new technology and the fact that no one can lie or escape.
It was loud and clear.
When police prepared to put to use the instrument, they even announced it and warned drivers to avoid drink-driving.
Yet the first implementation exercise managed to net 10.
This goes to show how ignorant we are in terms of adhering to rules and laws and even advises.
Congratulations RSIP for the first successful usage of breathalyzers. We do not know what else can be introduced to get people to stop drink-driving, but maximum punishment must be imposed on those caught by breathalyzers.
The penalties for a driver being at or above the prescribed level or for failing or refusing a breath test are severe and include the following;
• For a first offence of being at or above the prescribed level of 0.05% BAC, $10,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both, and disqualification of driver’s licence,
• For a second offence of being at or above the prescribed level of 0.05% BAC, $20,000 or 2 years imprisonment or both, and disqualification of driver’s licence,
• For refusing or failing a breath test, $10,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both, and disqualification of driver’s licence.
Police, please continue to do random checks along the roads especially during weekends. Breathalyzers will do a great job in catching those who choose to break our traffic laws.
Maximum punishment will send a clear message to drivers and will scare people from drink driving.
This is not for the good of police officers, but for the safety of all road users. The message is loud and clear – IF YOU DRINK (alcohol), DON’T DRIVE.
