«After accident» drinking to equal drunk driving?

Photo: Videokaader

Legal affairs committee at Riigikogu has been discussing if post-crash drinking ought to be equalised with drunk driving, based on Riigikogu member Dmitri Dmitrijev (Centre) case. The committee hopes for an amendment by fall, latest. 

Chairing the committee, Heljo Pikhof (Soc Dems) stands convinced the law must be changed, the line between misdemeanour and crime being too fine.

Should an individual claim he took a drink after the accident for ease and comfort, the punishment will be according to misdemeanour.

To have driven that way would have been a crime.

«Having had an accident, people must wait until the police establish the intoxication or the lack of it. Only after that they may take a drink if they so desire,» said the politician, stressing a need for sure rules currently missing.

Member of the committee Valdo Randpere (Reform) said it was he who raised the issue and hopes it will proceed.

Mr Randpere pointed to people potentially keeping a bottle handy to confuse the issue having had a crash. Also, he said, lawyers have herein discovered a crafty way of helping clients out.  

At that, Mr Randpere admitted the problem is not widespread.

On May 24th, Northern District Prosecutor’s Office terminated criminal proceedings regarding Dmitri Dmitrijev who on January 6th drove off the road and showed criminal intoxication as tested.

Mr Dmitrijev pleaded not guilty, claiming he drunk after event. Centre Party people from committee declined to comment.