A law under which motorists will go to prison if they cause fatal accidents while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or drive without a license, came into effect on Friday.
Romanian Police said that under the new law drivers who committed a fatal accident while DUI or while being at the wheel without being in possession of a valid driving license would no longer be eligible for a suspended jail sentence.
The Chamber of Deputies adopted a bill on June 29 under which motorists found guilty of manslaughter who are found to be drunk and without a driver’s license will automatically serve a prison sentence.
The bill was initiated by Senator Robert Cazanciuc, of the Social Democratic Party and Senator Daniel Fenechiu of the Liberal Party, which are both part of the ruling coalition.
Cazanciuc explained that the law, known as the „Anastasia Law” was dedicated to the memory of the 4-year-old girl who was killed on June 1 in front of her house.
It is „designed to prevent and limit road tragedies and raise awareness of the punitive consequences of reckless driving.”
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Police routinely administer breathalyzer tests to all drivers involved in an accident.
