The Department of Probation has revealed that the number of drunk-driving cases nationwide over Songkran was 29 percent higher than last year.
Out of the 5,228 drivers put on probation for drunk driving, 90 percent or 5,000 motorists were arrested before they could cause an accident.
These motorists have been sentenced to perform 20 hours of community service and they will have to report themselves to their probation officer four times a year.
Drivers who caused accidents while drunk will, however, have to undergo harsher probationary measures such as having to work at hospitals or foundations to look after road-accident victims.
None of the offenders have been instructed to work in intensive care units or the mortuary so far, reported the Nation.
Department of Probation director-general Pol Colonel Narat Sawettanant said the number of drunk-driving cases had risen by 1,177 or 29 percent compared to last year.
This year’s death toll of 442 during the “seven dangerous days” of Songkran was a new record.
From April 11-17, there were 3,447 road accidents nationwide in which 3,656 people were injured, according to Interior Minister Gen. Anupong Paochinda.
