Tuoi Tre readers rally behind health ministry’s reconsideration of alcohol limit for drivers

Ninety percent of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper’s readers have voiced their support behind the Ministry of Health’s initiative to consult experts regarding the establishment of alcohol concentration limits in drivers’ breath or blood for traffic regulation, marking a departure from the current practice of imposing fines on drivers with any alcohol concentration level.

The Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Administration, under the Ministry of Health, is seeking opinions from experts and medical units regarding the alcohol concentration in drivers’ breath or blood. 

The consultation stems from instances of alcohol concentration detected in the body despite no alcohol or beer consumption while Vietnam strictly prohibits driving with any level of breath or blood alcohol concentration.

A recent survey by Tuoi Tre showed that many readers endorse the Ministry of Health’s approach, preferring an alcohol concentration limit over fines for driving after minor alcohol consumption. 

One reader asserted, “I believe everyone supports the stringent handling of intentional drunk driving cases. However, the health sector has acknowledged instances where alcohol is detected in the body without alcohol consumption.” 

“This calls for laws grounded in science to prevent unjust penalties for those with ‘autologous alcohol concentration’ due to metabolic processes or medication.

“Only strict yet accurate measures foster societal trust and consensus.”

A reader named 5 Mi Lat expressed, “The paramount concern lies in determining the threshold of alcohol concentration in breath or blood that can lead to a traffic accident.” 

“I firmly believe that the recommendations provided by experts and specialized units regarding this matter are founded on solid scientific principles. 

“If these scientific findings contradict existing laws, it is advisable to amend the legislation.”

Reader LP remarked, “It’s crucial to establish suitable limits, as there are instances where individuals haven’t consumed alcohol or have ingested certain medications or fermented fruit juice, and their alcohol levels are detected. It’s an issue of fairness.”

Reader Yeu Sai Gon commented, “Declaring a zero threshold isn’t suitable for Vietnam’s current context.”

“Neglecting cases where individuals might receive unjust fines due to minimal breath alcohol concentration, unrelated to alcohol consumption, would be shortsighted. 

“Hence, the Ministry of Health’s integration of expert opinions on the alcohol concentration threshold is highly appreciated.”

Public input needed

Some readers argue that, alongside consulting experts and scientists, the Ministry of Health should also seek public input regarding alcohol concentration limits.

“Important regulations impacting millions of individuals and the economic sector necessitate consultation with international law and public opinion,” reader Pham Van Binh emphasized. 

“Fines should be determined based on the severity of alcohol levels, ensuring fair conditions for low-income workers to pay fines.”

Reader Nguyen Gia Khiem remarked, “A comprehensive report is essential, encompassing traffic accident statistics after months of alcohol violation inspections, impacts on the economy, a research on the behavioral ramifications at various alcohol concentration levels, and reference to laws from similar developed nations.”

“I hope ministries and agencies will provide thorough responses and reports to formulate appropriate legislation so as to garner public support.”

Meanwhile, reader Toan Nguyen suggested imposing penalties based on three categories of alcohol concentration violations -- minimum, moderate, and maximum. 

For a minimum alcohol concentration level, drivers would face double the current fines and driver’s license suspension, with no vehicle impoundment. 

A moderate level would incur triple the current fines, along with driver’s license and vehicle suspension. 

Driving with maximum alcohol concentration would constitute a criminal offense, resulting in temporary seizure of the vehicle, driver’s license, and the vehicle owner, as well as legal proceedings against the driver. 

Repeat violations or accidents caused by intoxicated drivers could lead to criminal prosecution, he proposed.

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