𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒌 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒔𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Rinzin Norbu

Bhutan faces an alarming rise in drunk driving incidents, emphasizing the urgent need for designated drivers. Data from the Bhutan Construction and Transportation Authority (BCTA) reveals a concerning trend: between July 2023 and June 2024, 3,458 drunk driving cases were recorded, with 956 involving Professional Drivers (PD) who bear significant responsibility for road safety.

This data underlines a pressing need for measures to curb drunk driving among both ordinary and professional drivers, emphasizing the importance of having sober individuals behind the wheel to ensure road safety. Bhutan should adopt the practice, proven successful in many countries, of appointing a designated driver before any social gathering or party.

A designated driver is a person who abstains from consuming alcohol or any other intoxicating substances during a social event or gathering to ensure they can safely drive others home. This concept is often promoted to prevent drunk driving and ensure the safety of all passengers and others on the road. The designated driver is responsible for getting everyone home safely, and this role is usually agreed upon before the event starts.

“I am usually the designated driver when I go out with my friends. Even though I will be the last one to reach home, I don’t mind because I love my friends,” said Sonam, a partygoer. She learned about the designated driver concept when one of her friends returned from Australia and introduced it to their group. Since then, their group always ensures one of them is the designated driver. “It has benefited us a lot,” she added.

In Bhutan, Division 4 – Alcohol and Drugs governs the regulation of driving under the influence, aiming to reduce motor vehicle accidents and impaired driving incidents. This division establishes methods for determining blood alcohol levels and extends its scope to include not only those actively driving but also individuals instructing others in driving situations.

Under these provisions, a person commits an offense if they drive a motor vehicle while incapable of proper control due to intoxicating liquor or drugs, with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters. Specific regulations also apply to those holding a license for less than three years or possessing a learner’s license. Taxi drivers, PD license holders, and operators of medium or heavy vehicles must have a zero level of alcohol. Failure to comply with these regulations results in penalties, reinforcing the need for strict adherence to the law.

“We don’t want to impose more fines on drivers who drink and drive. Even if we impose more fines on them, there is no guarantee that they will not repeat it. We have rules and regulations, and we act according to them. We can only request that drivers not touch the wheel if they are drinking,” said a BCTA representative.

For ordinary driving licenses, the penalty structure for offenses follows a progressive scale. A first offense incurs a monetary penalty of Ngultrum One thousand seven hundred fifty (Nu. 1750). For a second offense, the penalty remains at Nu. 1750 but is accompanied by the addition of one demerit point on the driving license. For a third offense, an additional demerit point is given along with a monetary penalty of Nu. 1750. Moving to a fourth offense escalates the consequences to a monetary penalty of Nu. 1750, an additional offense point, and a driving license suspension for six months. A fifth offense leads to the cancellation of the driving license, coupled with a monetary penalty of the same amount.

For holders of professional or commercial driving licenses, the penalty system also begins with a monetary fine of Nu. 1750 and the addition of one demerit point for a first offense. A second offense under this license type incurs the same monetary penalty and an additional demerit point. Upon a third offense, the penalty escalates to a 6-month suspension of the driving license alongside a monetary penalty of Nu. 1750. Finally, a fourth offense results in the cancellation of the driving license, accompanied by a monetary penalty of 35 Units.

These structured penalties aim to enforce compliance and responsible driving behavior among both ordinary and professional drivers, ensuring safety on the roads.
The recent report Motor vehicle accident – Drunk Driving (2022-2023) has revealed alarming trends in drunk driving incidents across various divisions in Bhutan, highlighting a significant rise in cases over the past year. The data, compiled by local authorities, highlights the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures and community awareness to address this growing issue effectively.

In 2022, Bhutan recorded a total of 128 cases of drunk driving across its divisions. However, in 2023, this number surged to 195, marking a substantial 52% increase over just one year. This rise in incidents has raised concerns among authorities and the public alike, prompting a closer examination of the factors contributing to drunk driving.
“In Bhutan, all drivers are tested before receiving their license, and the roles and responsibilities are made known to the driver. An irresponsible driver constitutes driving under the influence of alcohol, contraband substances, or over-speeding, or carrying more passengers than prescribed for the individual vehicle, potentially causing accidents and injuring others and themselves. A responsible driver avoids all these behaviors, ensuring safety for oneself and others,” said Pasang Dorji, Deputy Chief of Police.

“Police have the responsibility to enforce traffic laws. We collaborate closely with communities, providing services and support. Everyone must understand and fulfill their roles and responsibilities to prevent cases of drunk driving. Within families, we should take care of young and inexperienced drivers to prevent issues. This is what we expect from communities,” he added.

While designated driving is a proven method in curbing motor accidents related to drunk driving, many feel that it is not feasible.
Tashi from Thimphu said that when all his friends are drinking, it is difficult to ask one to refrain from drinking. His group always makes sure they leave the place of gathering once they are sober enough to drive. However, such cases often result in accidents.

Thinley Dorji, a taxi driver, said, “A few taxi drivers work at night, providing an alternative to the designated driver. Some buses are operational until midnight. I understand that taxi fares are higher at night because we charge the return fare as well, but this cost compared to a life lost is nothing.”

He further added that many youths come out with their cars and stay out late at night, getting drunk and driving, and risking lives. “I would suggest that if they leave their cars at home and contact us, we could pick them up and drop them off. If they are drunk, we can even assist them to their doorsteps if necessary. This way, we both benefit,” he added.

Tempa, a middle-aged taxi driver, said, “If only people knew how important their lives are. We have some taxis that drive at night because many people go to parties or karaoke and get drunk. They don’t care if they are drunk; they drive carelessly, endangering not only other people but also their own lives.”

“We should have severe penalties for drunk driving, as we have seen many accidents claiming lives and damaging public property,” he added. Similarly, the same sentiments were shared by many.

Efforts to combat drunk driving in Bhutan involve a multifaceted approach. Enhanced law enforcement, including stricter penalties and more frequent patrols, are essential components of deterrence. Additionally, promoting responsible drinking practices through educational campaigns and community outreach is crucial in changing attitudes and behaviors surrounding alcohol consumption and driving.

Technology also offers new opportunities to enhance designated driver programs. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft should be created in the country to provide convenient alternatives for individuals who may not have a designated driver, complementing traditional initiatives by offering safe transportation options.

The rise in drunk driving cases highlights the urgent need for designated drivers and other preventive measures. By promoting a culture of responsibility and leveraging technology, Bhutan can make significant strides toward reducing drunk driving incidents and ensuring safer roads for all. Public education, strict enforcement, and community engagement are key to achieving long-term improvements in road safety and the well-being of Bhutanese citizens. Let us act now to protect our communities and make our roads safer for everyone.