Thailand Implements Law That Sentences Drunk Drivers To Work In Morgues

Story out of Bangkok, Thailand:

To try to combat the carnage on the country's roads during the annual weeklong traditional New Year's holiday celebration, Thai authorities are going gory: Drunk drivers and repeat traffic offenders may be sent to work in hospital morgues to see the fruits of their irresponsibility.

The Songkran holiday puts untold thousands of Thais on the road, returning to their home villages from the big cities to reunite with families and cut loose, with alcohol usually fueling the festivities. Much of the joyriding takes place on motorbikes, with little observance of helmet laws. The government's safety campaign appropriately calls the period -- during which it is estimated 2.3 people die and 160 are injured every hour -- "The Seven Days of Danger."

Casual attitudes toward road safety give Thailand the second worst record in the world for traffic fatalities, and health and safety experts fear the situation may be getting worse. The government, which earlier this year said drunk drivers could have their cars impounded for the duration of the holiday, last week approved the morgue shock treatment plan. Cont.

Story from - CBS News/AP