Ireland County Approves “Special” Drunk Driving Permits

Despite a high rate of alcohol-related accidents in Ireland, Kerry County has recently passed a law that will enable some residents to drive after drinking. The Huffington Post reports that while legislators in Kerry County understand the dangers of drinking and driving, this measure was proposed and passed due to the concern over the well-being of its rural residents. Many fear that with the current laws and penalties for drinking and driving in Ireland, these residents will remain at home, isolated, and perhaps become depressed and withdrawn from society. Additionally, opponents of this measure point out that there is a direct link between alcohol use and depression, and that it also has a devastating effect on the progress Ireland has made in reducing drunk driving fatalities, including in rural areas. Read more here:  ‘Drunk Driving’ Permits Approved By Irish County Might Let Rural Drivers Imbibe, Drive