The discussion about irrevocably revoking driver's licenses for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to excite society. The program "Your Day" on NOVA NEWS featured lawyer Silvia Petkova and Alexi Kesyakov, former head of "Traffic Police" at the State Traffic Police, who presented different points of view on the effectiveness of such measures.
Lawyer Petkova spoke out against extreme punishments, emphasizing that they should only be applied in exceptional cases. In her opinion, the proposal does not take into account the deeper causes of the problem, and for a first violation, the confiscation of the license is an excessive sanction.
"It is high time to stop punitive populism and start taking in-depth measures if we want to see results", said lawyer Petkova.
Alexey Kesyakov focused on the need for a change in people's thinking, not just in punishments. According to the road safety expert, the topic should not be considered solely from the perspective of sanctions.
"If by the end of the year a serious campaign is undertaken to convince people that breaking the rules threatens their life, health and freedom, we can achieve a record low number of victims for the last 65 years," he commented.
Kesyakov drew attention to the fact that the problems with alcoholism and drug use are not only a matter of road safety, but a reflection of a broader social problem that cannot be solved solely with the Road Traffic Act.
Lawyer Petkova also presented European practice as an alternative to strict penalties. In Germany, addicts who have committed a crime are given a choice - if addiction is proven during the course of the case and the person accepts treatment, they receive a suspended sentence.
"However, if they interrupt treatment or refuse to participate, then an effective punishment is imposed," she explained.
This approach recognizes that addiction is a mental disorder, not just a willful act of disobedience, and places an emphasis on rehabilitation, not just on the sanction.
The topic of irrevocable withdrawal of driver's licenses is being actively discussed after recent statements by Interior Minister Daniel Mitov, who proposed similar measures to combat the war on the roads. The amended penalties in the Criminal Code, which came into force in August this year, already provide for stricter sanctions for drunk and drugged drivers.