Samoa transport minister calls for mandatory jail sentences for drunk drivers

Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Minister of Transport believes that drunk drivers should be given mandatory jail terms as a form of deterrent in efforts to curb the increasing offence on the roads.

Papalii Niko Lee Hang told the Samoa Observer that intoxicated and impaired drivers were a very real danger for both drivers and passengers on the roads.

The current penalty for drunk driving is up to 5 years in prison and or a fine.

Papalii said drunk driver can cause an accident anytime, anywhere.

He said police and the Land Transport Authority are working to address the problem but the solution ultimately lies with the drivers themselves.

"Refusing to operate a vehicle when you yourself have been drinking is the first and most important defence against being involved in an accident

caused by impaired driving," he said.