In discussions about drunk driving policies, experts in Japan have explored approaches that involve testing drivers for alcohol and offering supervised driving under the guidance of an instructor. Those ideas, however, may not translate well to Russia, as a member of the State Duma emphasized in an interview with the 360 TV channel. Alexander Tolmachev, who serves on the Committee for the Development of Transport and Transport Infrastructure, warned that alcohol treatment measures developed in Japan could produce unpredictable results if attempted in Russia. He noted that some drivers might attempt to take the wheel with a lower grade of supervision than a formal Japanese driving school would require, potentially creating more risk rather than reducing it.
Tolmachev stressed that drunk driving remains one of the leading contributors to road accidents in Russia. He argued that addressing this safety crisis cannot rely on foreign-style experiments but must be tackled through methods better aligned with Russian conditions and enforcement capabilities. The deputy called for practical, grounded strategies that directly promote safer driving habits without resorting to exotic or untested models from abroad.
According to Tolmachev, the path forward involves ensuring that drivers are consistently and fully sober behind the wheel, with robust verification and stricter consequences for violations. He suggested that the focus should shift toward strengthening existing sobriety checks, improving penalties for driving under the influence, and reinforcing public awareness campaigns that highlight the dangers of intoxicated driving. The aim is to create a climate where 100 percent sober driving is the norm, supported by clear rules and reliable enforcement rather than experimental programs that may not fit the local context.
In related legal developments, a case from early August in St. Petersburg drew attention to the severity of drink-driving penalties. A woman was sentenced to four years and seven months in a general regime penal colony after multiple episodes of driving under the influence. In addition to the prison term, the court revoked her driving rights for eight and a half years. The sentencing underscored the seriousness with which authorities treat cases of alcohol-related traffic offenses and the expectation that offenders face lengthy, clearly defined sanctions rather than deferred or lenient penalties.
Reports from regional agencies indicated that a traffic police inspector in the Voronezh region underwent testing after an incident involving the deputy who had previously been involved in a separate collision. The events were reported by Moscow 24, illustrating how agencies continuously monitor and respond to incidents that raise concerns about road safety and enforcement integrity. This sequence highlights the broader commitment of authorities to uphold road safety through consistent checks, rapid reporting, and accountability across ranks within the traffic police system.
Beyond this particular case, there has been ongoing discussion within the Federation Council about other measures to curb intoxicated driving. Proposals include stricter penalties for riding electric scooters after consuming alcohol, reflecting a broader strategy to address emerging modes of personal transport that can also pose safety risks when operators are under the influence. These discussions indicate a comprehensive approach to reducing alcohol-related traffic incidents across multiple forms of transportation, from cars to newer urban mobility options, with safety at the forefront and enforcementes aligned to contemporary urban life.