Ban for life drunk drivers involved in nasty accidents, urge lawyers

Last Sunday, a policeman manning a roadblock was killed when he was hit by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, driven by a man believed drunk, on the Kajang-Seremban Expressway.

KUALA LUMPUR: Those convicted of causing fatal accidents while driving under the influence should be banned from driving for life, two lawyers said.

Criminal lawyer N Sivananthan said a lifetime driving ban would be an added deterrent although the law already provided for jail terms and fines for offenders.

“At the moment, any person (motorist) who causes death while being intoxicated shall on conviction be imprisoned for not less than three years and a maximum of 10 years, and to a fine of not less than RM8,000 and not more than RM20,000.

“The penalties, in my view, are adequate save that perhaps a lifetime disqualification should be considered for people convicted of this offence.”

Sivananthan said there was no excuse for anyone to be driving while being drunk as ride-hailing services are available now.

Even those convicted of driving while being intoxicated in non-fatal accident cases should have their driving licence suspended for at least five years and be given mandatory imprisonment of at least six months, he said today.

Under the existing law, individuals who drive under the influence of alcohol can be charged under Section 45A (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for a fine of between RM1,000 and RM6,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 12 months.

Meanwhile, lawyer Nor Zabetha Muhammad Nor said the government should amend the laws to provide for heavier penalties as a deterrent and to give justice to family members of the victims.

“A number of cases are reported yearly for drink driving, but it seems the current punishment does not serve as a deterrent. I personally believe the punishment is not harsh.”

The accused know that driving under the influence might cause serious injury or death to third parties and yet choose to ignore the implications, she added.

“This is an act of total selfishness,” she said.

She added that disqualification from holding a driving licence could be a deterrent against drink driving.

Last Sunday, Corporal Safwan Muhammad Ismail, 31, was killed on the spot after he was hit by a Toyota Hilux, driven by a man believed drunk, at a roadblock at the Kajang South Toll Plaza on the Kajang-Seremban Expressway (Lekas). - FMT