How does India measure up to the rest of the world on road safety norms? (With Traffic violations: Are just stiffer penalties the solution?)
* Drunken Driving:
India: Proposed maximum legal BAC limit – 20.0 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood; Rs. 5,000-Rs.10,000 for first timers; possible licence suspension for six months; repeat offenders – Rs. 10,000-20,000 with licence suspension and 1-6 months’ imprisonment.
Toronto: Max legal BAC: Criminal offence to drive with .08 and over; immediate licence suspension; if found guilty, licence suspended for one year followed with impaired driving education and a self-breath analyzer installed in the car after licence reinstatement. The analyzer triggers into action with the car’s ignition.
New South Wales: Repeat offenders required to first pass driver’s knowledge test
* Jumping a red light:
India: Proposed maximum fine of Rs. 1,500
Calgary: $229 (Rs.14,300)
Paris: $145 (Rs.9,125)
*Speeding:
India: Proposed to publish offenders names’ in newspapers; Rs.1,000-2,000; possible impounding of vehicle for one month; possible cancellation of licence for one year; suspension of permit for six months; possible refresher training.
London: Maximum fine for fixed penalty $148 (Rs.9,265); maximum fine for case referred to court $1,480; penalty points in some cases.
New York: If caught on speed cameras – $90 to $1,200 (Rs.5,600-Rs.74,700; no demerit points but possible jail term)