The first drunk driver was arrested 127 years ago!

On September 10, 1897, a historic moment occurred in London: the arrest of the first ever drunk driver.

HAS Londona drunk driver was arrested for the first time on September 10, 1897. what the fuck a historic moment which marked the beginning of a fight against driving under the influence of alcohol, which continues today, 127 years later.

Historic arrest by London police

George Smith was a London taxi driver aged 25 ans. He made history when he was arrested for drunk driving. He was the first person to be arrested for this reason. At the time, George was driving one of the company’s new electric taxis. London Electrical Cab. It was a innovation which had only been in service for 22 days at that time.

While he was drunkGeorge Smith accidentally lost control of his vehicle. He crashed into a building in London, located at 165 New Bond Street. The driver was stopped by a police officer and was summoned to tribunal.

Faced with the judge at Marlborough Street Court, George Smith immediately pleaded guilty. His punishment was a fine of 20 British shillings (the currency before the pound sterling). For a long time, there was no reliable way to measure a person’s blood alcohol level. The first breathalyzer only saw the light of day in 195356 years later.

Drunk driving: a continuing problem

The electric taxi driven by George is known as the “Hummingbirds” in reference to the buzzing characteristic of its engine. These vehicles were launched by the London Electrical Cab Company in 1897. It was a technological advancement important, but the lifespan of these taxis has been very brief.

Unfortunately, these cars were far too lourdes. THE tires and the wheels wooden ones could not support the weight of the batteriesThe company was forced to cease operations after two yearsin 1899. They accumulated financial losses important, especially during the first year.

However, today, George Smith’s arrest seems almost anecdotal. But she still scores. a turning point in the recognition of the dangers of drinking and driving. In France, driving under the influence of alcohol remains a major problem road safety. Drunk driving has been implicated in approximately 31% of fatal accidents in France in 2023. Moreover, 9% of French drivers admit to driving while intoxicated.

These are alarming statisticsbut which tend to improve over the years thanks to the campaigns of awareness and some mobilizations law enforcement officers on the side of the roads.