Proof the French are Insane

bill barilko

Senate Member
Mar 4, 2009
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Words fail me-small wonder they surrender every chance they have

France orders breathalyser for motorists


Motorists driving without the two breathalyser tests will be handed a fine of 11 euros

A new law has come into force in France making it compulsory for drivers to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicles or risk an on-the-spot fine.

It is the latest move by the government aimed at bringing down the number of road deaths caused by alcohol.

All motorists must also have with them a high-visibility safety vest and a warning triangle.

Foreign drivers are included in the new rule, however there is a grace period until November.

Some 4,000 people are killed on French roads every year, with drink-driving being the main factor in accidents ahead even of speeding.

Bonanza for manufacturers
The French government hopes that with breathalysers in every car, drivers who suspect they may be over the limit can test themselves and if necessary refrain from taking the wheel.

The former government of President Nicolas Sarkozy, which gave the go-ahead to the new law, said it hoped 500 lives might be saved every year.

Under the rules, which exclude mopeds, drivers who fail to produce a breathalyser after 1 November will face a fine of 11 euros.

The kits come in two types: expensive electronic ones which can be reused; and cheap chemical ones, says the BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris.

Tens of millions of the kits are going to have to be supplied, but right now there is a shortage, which is one reason for the four-month grace period, our correspondent says.

He adds that the new rule is proving a bonanza for manufacturers, of which there are only two in France.

Meanwhile, drivers' groups opposing the measure say it has been foisted on France by clever industry lobbying.

To enforce the regulations, French police say they plan to carry out random checks on those entering the country through the Channel Tunnel, as well as drivers arriving on ferries.

Retailers in Britain say sales of breathalysers have risen considerably due to the law, the Press Association reports.

Car accessory retailer Halfords said there had been unprecedented demand, but said that 6 out of 10 Britons travelling to France were not aware of the changes.

The drink-driving limit in France is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood - 30mg less than the UK limit.
 

CDNBear

Custom Troll
Sep 24, 2006
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I don't get the breathalyser, I guess they have a real DUI problem in France. I do get the safety PPE, and such. Both our vehicles are equipped with a road side emergency and first aid kits.

It should be mandatory for all vehicles.
 

taxslave

Hall of Fame Member
Nov 25, 2008
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Just the fact that they elected a socialist leader proves they are insane. The breathalyzer is just a symptom of the disease.
 

Niflmir

A modern nomad
Dec 18, 2006
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I don't get the breathalyser, I guess they have a real DUI problem in France. I do get the safety PPE, and such. Both our vehicles are equipped with a road side emergency and first aid kits.

It should be mandatory for all vehicles.

Actually, those regulations you like are not new and are Europe wide. I was kind of amazed when I first saw someone carrying around the safety vest and triangle. I thought they were just being amazingly prudent. Instead it is the law.

The breathalyser looks like a cost cutting measure. I imagine it will have an unintended effect for preventing DUI's, however. I can easily doctor my own breathalyser before ever using it.
 

Tonington

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Oct 27, 2006
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Just the fact that they elected a socialist leader proves they are insane. The breathalyzer is just a symptom of the disease.

Did you miss the part of that BBC article that explained this law is a hangover :D of the Sarkozy government?
 

Cliffy

Standing Member
Nov 19, 2008
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Did you miss the part of that BBC article that explained this law is a hangover :D of the Sarkozy government?
Of course he did. He sees the word socialism and his brain automatically spews out anti socialist propaganda. He is so terrified by it that it has become a socially conditioned reflex. Happens every time. Him and Wally are connected at the hip.
 
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Tonington

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 27, 2006
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Far left? Is it far left to cut taxes and loosen restrictions on private business? It's certainly not socialist...nor is it socialist to require breath samples.
 

Praxius

Mass'Debater
Dec 18, 2007
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Some 4,000 people are killed on French roads every year, with drink-driving being the main factor in accidents ahead even of speeding.

Wouldn't have anything to do with all that wine they drink would it?

...... Could also have something to due with those narrow, European windy roads either, huh?? Or that most are either bricks or mud with a grass strip between the lanes?

I suppose they don't account for the norm. :p
 

taxslave

Hall of Fame Member
Nov 25, 2008
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Far left? Is it far left to cut taxes and loosen restrictions on private business? It's certainly not socialist...nor is it socialist to require breath samples.

He cut the taxes but not the spending forcing the cost on to future generations. Normal for lefty governments.