http://www.seeker.com/thailand-drunk-drivers-morgues-1725434027.html?utm_medium=xpromo&utm_source=AOL&utm_campaign=carouselThailand's Drunk Drivers Could Be Sent to Work in Morgues
Leaders hope it will prevent reckless driving, which is a major problem in the country.
Thailand has a drunk driving problem. According to the World Health Organization, there were 24,237 reported road traffic deaths in 2013 and almost 26% of those fatalities were attributed to alcohol.
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As reported by The Guardian, some of the worst drunk driving takes place around the Songkran holiday, the celebration of the new year in Thai culture. As thousands of people revel and drink, many ride on motorbikes, causing an estimated two fatalities and 160 injuries -- every hour.
To combat this, the country is trying a new policy. "Traffic offenders who are found guilty by courts will be sent to do public service work at morgues in hospitals," said Kriangdej Jantarawong, deputy director of the special task planning division.
The Thai cabinet approved of the plan last week, just in time for Songkran, according to The Washington Post.
Officials are hoping this will be a more effective deterrent against drunk driving than past punishments, such as community service.
I have my doubts this will work except for a small minority.
