Driving someone to death under the influence of alcohol is murder, France now says
France wants a crackdown on people who drive recklessly or drive under the influence of alcohol. That is why today such motorists are called murderers when they cause a fatal accident.
It is a symbolic change, because from a legal point of view little will change. For example, there are no higher penalties. But by talking about murder from now on, France hopes to be able to offer the relatives more support.
France is under pressure to do something about drunk drivers
“I listened to the victims,” says Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, “and they are shocked when we speak of ‘negligent manslaughter’.” In response, we will now charge a reckless or drunk driver with ‘road murder’.”
Public anger at popular drug comedian
The French government has been under pressure to do something about drunk driving for years. Public anger over this peaked when popular comedian Pierre Palmade recently caused a serious accident at the wheel while on drugs.
Palmade, who starred in several Asterix films, had been using cocaine when he hit another car. Three people were seriously injured and a pregnant woman lost her baby.
A relatively large number of drivers in France are under the influence of alcohol
In the Netherlands there are around 30 road deaths per million inhabitants every year. With 45 road deaths per million inhabitants, France is closer to the European average of 47.
The number of people who get behind the wheel with a drink is above average in France. There are even few European countries where it is more common.