Driving Intoxicated: Myths and Reality in Asia

Do they really teach new drivers to drive intoxicated in Asia? This question arises from a widely held belief that somehow, in some countries of the vast continent, intoxicated driving is part of driving training. However, the reality is quite different. This article aims to dispel myths and clarify the strict laws and regulations surrounding intoxicated driving in the Asian region.

Drunk Driving Laws in Asia

Contrary to popular belief, there is no country in Asia that teaches new drivers to drive while intoxicated. In fact, the laws in most Asian countries are even stricter than those in the United States, with severe penalties for drunk driving. The strict laws reflect the cultural and societal norms in these countries, where drunkenness is viewed negatively and dangerous driving behaviors are heavily punished.

Conservative Attitudes and Intoxication

Most countries in Asia are more conservative when it comes to issues of intoxication compared to the United States. For instance, in India, drunk driving is illegal, and the consequences for such behavior are severe. The society at large does not condone intoxicated driving, and legal measures are in place to prevent it.

The Impact of Alcohol on Driving

Alcohol significantly affects a person's cognitive abilities, slows down their reaction time, impairs judgment of speed and distance, and disrupts the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Alcohol also impairs risk assessment and gives drivers a false sense of confidence. There is no positive effect of alcohol that would make someone a better driver. Therefore, teaching new drivers to drive while intoxicated goes against all known scientific and safety principles.

Cultural and Legal Perspectives in Asia

The Republic of Cyprus, a member of the European Union and considered partially Asian, prohibits drink-driving with a defined blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.5 g/L of blood or 0.22 g/L of breath. This standard is significantly lower than the 0.8 g/L limit in Canada, with some provinces having even stricter requirements for both experienced and new drivers.

Conclusion

It is imperative to understand that teaching new drivers to drive while intoxicated is a myth that has no basis in reality. Laws and societal norms in Asia prioritize safety on the roads. If a driver requires additional support or training to improve their skills, that should be addressed through proper training programs and support rather than endorsing intoxicated driving.

Drivers should not only avoid driving under the influence but also strive to understand the severe consequences of such actions. By upholding strict driving laws and promoting responsible driving behavior, Asia continues to reduce the number of accidents related to intoxicated driving.