146 Drunk Drivers
Waiting Trial
Since the new Ley de
Tránsito went into
effect on December 23,
2008, the patios of the
Policia de Tránsito have
been filling up with
confiscated vehicles -
143 as of Friday - as
authorities show their
seriousness on curbing
drinking and driving, as
well as speeding and
reckless driving on the
nation's highways.
Tránsito authorities say
they have been
successful in reducing
drunk driving by at
least 70% since the new
law went into effect.
Now, it is up to the
judges to determine the
fate of the drivers who
face up to three years
in prison and a loss of
their drivers license
for two years, as well
as what will be done of
the confiscated
vehicles.
In the first case of
drunk driving under the
new law, the driver
chose a quick trial,
giving up ownership of
his vehicle, whose
proceeds of sale will go
to charity, and perform
community work. The
others are all awaiting
their day in court,
including the more than
2 dozen drivers who were
caught under the
influence behind the
wheel of their vehicle
following a private
party in Guanacaste.
Parked on the Tránsito
lots are also buses and
taxis. One such bus
belongs to the Lumaca
transportation company
that provides regular
bus service between
Cartago and San Jose,
where passengers
reported to police the
erratic behaviour by the
driver who was found
with a 2.58 blood
alcohol content.
The new Ley de Tránsito
allows police to detain
a driver with a reading
of 0.75 or greater.
Under the new law,
drivers do not face a
ticket, but rather are
hauled off to the
nearest court house to
face a judge.
|
