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Post by Bonobo on Jun 11, 2008 19:17:47 GMT 1
In Poland, name days are a special time for family and friends to gather. Sometimes friends and family simply stop by to wish the person celebrating their name day Wszystkiego najlepszego! (All the best!) and Sto lat! (A hundred years!). If gifts are given, they are usually small. Most often, guests bring flowers or chocolates, whether it be for a man or a woman. Sometimes people bring vodka and share a drink or two! [/i][/quote] Yes, sharing vodka drinks is a Polish custom. But it is not a problem that Poles like drinking alcohol, because most societies in Europe and in the world do, and they are heavier drinkers than Poles. Statistically, Poles drink much less alcohol per head than the French, Spanish etc. However, it is a scandal what Poles do after alcohol. They drive cars. Hundreds, thousands of drunk drivers hit the roads every day. The police catch some but it is a tip of the iceberg. Fortunately, the police have no mercy, on most occasions, From time to time we can hear about celebrities or known politicians getting caught drunk driving. What are the consequences? You immediately lose your drivign license. You car is towed to a police parking at your expense and stays there until you receive a sentence in the court. If you are not a repeat offender, the sentence of maximum 2 years in prison is suspended. Your license is suspended too, usually for two years, and you have to pay a huge fine. Their personal data and photos are released to the media. Zdzisław Kisiel, lives in the village of Galów busko.net.pl/wiadomosci/news.php?id=1124 Do you think it deters people from drunk driving? A little only. There is a social acceptance for such drivers. Their families and friends don`t oppose when a drunk driver offers to give people a lift after a party. They treat it humorously and don`t think about consequences. That is why such unbelievable cases happen that a driver of a school bus is drunk (sic!). In 2006 the police caught 200.000 drunk drivers in Poland. I really don`t understand some of my compatriots.  www.gorzow.lubuska.policja.gov.pl/var/kmpgorzow/storage/images/media/obrazki/pijany_tir_1/6476-1-pol-PL/pijany_tir_1_large.jpg  |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Jun 11, 2008 20:16:57 GMT 1
However, it is a scandal what Poles do after alcohol. They drive cars. Hundreds, thousands of drunk drivers hit the roads every day. The police catch some but it is a tip of the iceberg. Fortunately, the police have no mercy, on most occasions, From time to time we can hear about celebrities or known politicians getting caught drunk driving. Sometimes U.S. celebrities get a 'slap on the wrist' (a mild or minimal punishment) for these kind of violations - even when they are underage and can't legally drink at all! Good! What happens if there is an accident and someone is injured or killed? Is it still humorous then??? What a frightening statistic! We have this problem in the U.S. as well, and I don't understand it either. If you can legally drink, you can drink yourself stupid every night if you want to, but DON'T BE AN IDIOT AND GET BEHIND THE WHEEL AND TRY TO DRIVE! Here is some of the proposed legislation in the U.S. for this issue: From More States are creating legislation that could mandate specialized license plates for repeat DWI and DUI offenders
Over the past several years, no less than four states have attempted to pass legislation that would mandate specialized license plates for repeat driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions in hopes that the plates would increase road safety. There has been much voiced dissent in each state regarding the stigma the plates may generate, however, Ohio’s legislation passed the bill proposed in their courts, and since that time, drivers who have been convicted of DWI or DUI twice in a ten year span can be ordered to place yellow license plates on their vehicle – “red-flagging” them to police, and to the public.
While California has no legislation allowing for these specialized plates just yet, Minnesota and Georgia have joined Ohio as states that mandate coded or colored plates for repeat offenders. With the increasing popularity of this method to curb drunk driving, it will not be surprising when more states follow suite.
The most recent bill proposed in New York asks not for red or yellow plates, but rather a code of either letters or numbers, the belief is that the validity of complaints regarding the “red-lettering” of the public will decrease if the plates look the same with the exception of this DWI or DUI repeat conviction “code”. The guidelines stating who is required to attach these plates are also more lenient than the bill proposed in California. The bill in New York asks that someone convicted three or more times in a five year span be required to wear the plates. The specialized plates don't solve the problem, but if you carelessly disregard public safety by choosing to drink and drive, you had better be prepared for the backlash of those you put at risk! |
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Post by Bonobo on Aug 4, 2008 22:23:41 GMT 1
Warsaw trams to display "sober" signs
DPA
Jul 25, 2008
Warsaw - Some 50 trams in the Polish capital will soon hit the
streets with large 'sober' signs on the back as part of a national
program to fight drunken driving, media reported Friday.
The trams will join a few dozen buses that recently donned the
oversized signs, designed in the style of Polish licence plates.
The programme is the brainchild of a Polish priest who was appalled
at the number of drunken drivers on Polish roads.
It is part of a broader nationwide programme that promotes a sober
lifestyle through billboards, commercials and contests.
Drunken driving remains a problem in Poland, where poor road
conditions and aggressive drivers also make it one of the most
dangerous European Union countries for drivers.
Poland had the fifth-largest number of fatalities by population,
according to EU statistics from 2006, and has one of the worst
records of road safety in the 27-member bloc.
Almost 10 per cent of road crashes in Poland involve alcohol, an
official report said in 2004.
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 10, 2008 22:08:14 GMT 1
www.tvn24.pl/-1,1564343,0,1,pijak-staranowal-przystanek-pieciolatek-nie-zyje,wiadomosc.html A 28 year old drunk driver (1.5‰ blood alcohol content) didn`t stop at the road police post, was chased, drove on the sidewalk and against the current, finally crushed into a bus stop, earlier hitting parents with a 5 year old child walking on the sidewalk. The child died in hospital, parents are wounded. He doesn`t have a driving license. I hope the guy will rot in the slammer alive before he leaves it. 
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Post by valpomike on Sept 11, 2008 4:25:16 GMT 1
This goes on all over the world, and it is very bad for all.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Sept 20, 2008 21:25:48 GMT 1
This goes on all over the world, and it is very bad for all. Mike Even this?  www.tvn24.pl/-1,1565571,0,1,pijany-kierowca-karetki-rozbil-sie-z-pacjentem,wiadomosc.html A drunk ambulance driver caused an accident while transporting a patient for an operation. He had 2‰. Luckily, no one was injured. |
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Post by Bonobo on Nov 6, 2008 20:29:41 GMT 1
Days of Death on Poland's roads
thenews.pl
02.11.2008
On Friday and Saturday, 32 people died on Polish roads during the
weekend when Poles visit cemeteries all over the country to celebrate All Souls and Saints Days.
Police reported 334 serious road accidents with 32 dead and 421 injured in 48 hours, on what is the annual carnage on Poland's accompanying one of the most widely observed Roman Catholic holidays, All Souls Day, otherwise known as the day of the Dead.
In a special action - codenamed Operation Light - carried out by
Poland's law enforcement officers, just under 1000 drivers were caught in charge of a vehicle while drunk.
The death toll is expected to rise significantly as Poles return home
from visiting graves of loved ones, Sunday.
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Post by valpomike on Nov 6, 2008 22:09:15 GMT 1
Are you saying that the Polish drink to much? I think we here drink as much, without a reason.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Nov 7, 2008 21:27:08 GMT 1
Are you saying that the Polish drink to much? I think we here drink as much, without a reason. Mike They drink the same or less, OK, but the fact they drive cars when drunk is disqualifying. |
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Post by valpomike on Nov 8, 2008 16:43:47 GMT 1
What do you think Poland can do to stop this, now? And would you help with this? Do you believe in road block checks for this?
What do the rest of you think on this?
Mike
P.S. I hate to think others look at Poland as a bunch of drunks, when they are not.
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Post by Bonobo on Nov 8, 2008 23:15:59 GMT 1
What do you think Poland can do to stop this, now? And would you help with this? Do you believe in road block checks for this? What do the rest of you think on this? To stop it now they must introduce the law about immediate car confiscation and two years in jail without suspension or probation. In the long term, the children in kindergartens and schools need to be educated about drunk driving. They should watch films depicting accidents caused by drunk drivers. There is a big chance they will remember it for life. Hmm how do you know they are not? E.g., what do you know about my drinking??? ;D ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by valpomike on Nov 8, 2008 23:55:10 GMT 1
Whenever I visit Poland, I see some drinking, but not more than we have here.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Dec 14, 2008 16:43:23 GMT 1
A drun driver killed two men who were standing on the sidewalk. Ran away but was caught by the police. 12 years in prison maximum. Why not make it double? www.tvn24.pl/-1,1577359,0,1,zabil-dwoch-pieszych,wiadomosc.html   |
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Post by tufta on Dec 14, 2008 19:18:07 GMT 1
Perhaps my sense of humour has dropped down a little today, after all we have entered into the darkest phase of perennial cycle, but I must say I don't very much like the title. ;D
I mean it is okey, but untrue.
I must say I never drove a car after drinking any alcoholic beverage. Truly. So the title of the thread is not really true as long as we stick to logic.
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Post by Bonobo on Dec 14, 2008 20:14:43 GMT 1
Perhaps my sense of humour has dropped down a little today, after all we have entered into the darkest phase of perennial cycle, but I must say I don't very much like the title. ;D I mean it is okey, but untrue. I must say I never drove a car after drinking any alcoholic beverage. Truly. So the title of the thread is not really true as long as we stick to logic. How about now? |
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Dec 15, 2008 18:20:17 GMT 1
Here is an interesting tale of a European driver who chose to drink and drive... In a recent report of DWI excuses in the Swedish newspaper Nerikes Allehanda, a 56-year-old woman, had asserted that although she had been drinking, her driving was not affected because she had remembered to keep one eye closed so as not to be seeing double. Skål??!  |
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Post by valpomike on Dec 15, 2008 19:16:05 GMT 1
Many women drive this way, all the time. Another joke, so don't get upset, again.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Dec 15, 2008 22:46:44 GMT 1
Here is an interesting tale of a European driver who chose to drink and drive... In a recent report of DWI excuses in the Swedish newspaper Nerikes Allehanda, a 56-year-old woman, had asserted that although she had been drinking, her driving was not affected because she had remembered to keep one eye closed so as not to be seeing double. Skål??! It reminds me of a Polish drunk driver who didn`t turn on his headlights while cruising the city at night so that the police wouldn`t notice him. This true story suits Polish jokes series. |
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Post by Bonobo on Dec 21, 2008 16:07:27 GMT 1
Poland to react to consul's drunken driving
The Canadian Press
12/16/08
WARSAW, Poland — Poland's foreign minister is warning he may fire a consul general in Canada after he rear-ended a fire truck in Vancouver last week while allegedly driving drunk.
Radek Sikorski says "we will eliminate from public service" people
who "do not know how to behave abroad." The Polish Foreign Ministry says tests show consul Tomasz Lis was under the influence of alcohol above the legal limit in Canada when he hit the truck.
No injuries were reported.
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Post by tufta on Dec 22, 2008 18:58:31 GMT 1
Much better now, thanks!  |
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 9, 2009 22:03:08 GMT 1
A young, 21 yo drunk driver hit an electricity post.   www.tvn24.pl/-1,1580769,0,1,pijany-scial-linie-energetyczna,wiadomosc.html |
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 10, 2009 22:21:00 GMT 1
POLAND'S CONSUL-GENERAL RECALLED TO WARSAW
Diplomat not trying to flee charges, embassy says
IAN BAILEY
January 8, 2009
VANCOUVER -- Poland's consul-general in Vancouver left Canada the day police went to his office to tell him he would face charges of impaired driving over an incident in the city's downtown last month, but the embassy in Ottawa says it was not part of a plan to escape justice.
"He left in the morning and the [police] came in the afternoon in the consulate to give him a document with the charges presented," said Sylwia Domisiewicz, spokesperson for the Polish embassy in Ottawa. A Vancouver Police Department official confirmed the visit, saying it was routine in such cases.
"It was just coincidence," Ms. Domisiewicz said. "We decided he had to go back [to Poland] and it happened on the same day the policemen came. It's not that we planned that."
She said the federal government had no complaint about 49-year-old Tomasz Lis departing Canada after he was recalled over the allegations of impaired driving.
Print Edition - Section Front
"The Canadian authorities did not pose any objections for his departure," she said. Mr. Lis was officially recalled to Warsaw, "which is the most severe punishment a diplomat can face," she said.
Ms. Domisiewicz said she did not know whether Mr. Lis will return to Canada to face charges of impaired driving and driving over the legal limit, although a clarification on that issue may be available soon.
A court hearing in the case is scheduled Jan. 13.
Mr. Lis came under scrutiny in early December after a driver rear-ended a municipal fire truck in downtown Vancouver and left the scene, then was stopped nearby.
The driver failed a roadside screening test and was taken to a police station where he was over the legal blood-alcohol limit in a breath test, police said, adding they would recommend charges to the Crown. Police visited the consulate to confirm those charges.
Although police did not identify Mr. Lis, the veteran diplomat, who had been in British Columbia for about a month, confirmed he was the focus of the allegations. He denied he had blown over the limit.
Piotr Ogrodzinski, Poland's ambassador in Canada, said last month that Mr. Lis would not try to escape any legal proceedings.
The ambassador had said one of the unfortunate results of Mr. Lis's departure was the impact it might have on Poland's efforts to monitor developments in the case of Robert Dziekanski, a Polish immigrant who died after Mounties tasered him during a scuffle at Vancouver International Airport in October of 2007.
B.C. prosecutors recently announced they will not pursue criminal charges against the officers, a decision that has reportedly been controversial in Poland.
No replacement has been designated for Mr. Lis, although someone will eventually be sent to fill the post. In Canada, Poland has consuls in Toronto and Montreal as well as Vancouver.
Stan Lowe, a Crown spokesman, said prosecutors are waiting to see what happens in court on Jan. 13 before deciding how to proceed. "If he doesn't show up, we can take action," Mr. Lowe said.
But Vancouver criminal lawyer Ravi Hira, speaking as an observer, said that an agent could probably appear in court for Mr. Lis at this stage in the case.
Mr. Hira suggested a jail sentence would be unlikely for a first offence, and that Mr. Lis probably would be fined if he pleaded guilty or was convicted.
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Post by jeanne on Jan 11, 2009 16:01:30 GMT 1
POLAND'S CONSUL-GENERAL RECALLED TO WARSAW
Diplomat not trying to flee charges, embassy says
IAN BAILEY
January 8, 2009
VANCOUVER -- Poland's consul-general in Vancouver left Canada the day police went to his office to tell him he would face charges of impaired driving over an incident in the city's downtown last month, but the embassy in Ottawa says it was not part of a plan to escape justice.
"He left in the morning and the [police] came in the afternoon in the consulate to give him a document with the charges presented," said Sylwia Domisiewicz, spokesperson for the Polish embassy in Ottawa. A Vancouver Police Department official confirmed the visit, saying it was routine in such cases.
"It was just coincidence," Ms. Domisiewicz said. "We decided he had to go back [to Poland] and it happened on the same day the policemen came. It's not that we planned that."
She said the federal government had no complaint about 49-year-old Tomasz Lis departing Canada after he was recalled over the allegations of impaired driving.
Print Edition - Section Front
"The Canadian authorities did not pose any objections for his departure," she said. Mr. Lis was officially recalled to Warsaw, "which is the most severe punishment a diplomat can face," she said.
Ms. Domisiewicz said she did not know whether Mr. Lis will return to Canada to face charges of impaired driving and driving over the legal limit, although a clarification on that issue may be available soon.
A court hearing in the case is scheduled Jan. 13.
Mr. Lis came under scrutiny in early December after a driver rear-ended a municipal fire truck in downtown Vancouver and left the scene, then was stopped nearby.
The driver failed a roadside screening test and was taken to a police station where he was over the legal blood-alcohol limit in a breath test, police said, adding they would recommend charges to the Crown. Police visited the consulate to confirm those charges.
Although police did not identify Mr. Lis, the veteran diplomat, who had been in British Columbia for about a month, confirmed he was the focus of the allegations. He denied he had blown over the limit.
Piotr Ogrodzinski, Poland's ambassador in Canada, said last month that Mr. Lis would not try to escape any legal proceedings.
The ambassador had said one of the unfortunate results of Mr. Lis's departure was the impact it might have on Poland's efforts to monitor developments in the case of Robert Dziekanski, a Polish immigrant who died after Mounties tasered him during a scuffle at Vancouver International Airport in October of 2007.
B.C. prosecutors recently announced they will not pursue criminal charges against the officers, a decision that has reportedly been controversial in Poland.
No replacement has been designated for Mr. Lis, although someone will eventually be sent to fill the post. In Canada, Poland has consuls in Toronto and Montreal as well as Vancouver.
Stan Lowe, a Crown spokesman, said prosecutors are waiting to see what happens in court on Jan. 13 before deciding how to proceed. "If he doesn't show up, we can take action," Mr. Lowe said.
But Vancouver criminal lawyer Ravi Hira, speaking as an observer, said that an agent could probably appear in court for Mr. Lis at this stage in the case.
Mr. Hira suggested a jail sentence would be unlikely for a first offence, and that Mr. Lis probably would be fined if he pleaded guilty or was convicted.My nominations to fill the vacant position in Canada are Bonobo, Tufta and Tomek...not necessarily in that order! ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 11, 2009 16:11:19 GMT 1
My nominations to fill the vacant position in Canada are Bonobo, Tufta and Tomek...not necessarily in that order! ;D ;D ;D It wouldn`t improve the situation. We drink more than the recalled diplomat. |
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Post by jeanne on Jan 11, 2009 16:29:53 GMT 1
My nominations to fill the vacant position in Canada are Bonobo, Tufta and Tomek...not necessarily in that order! ;D ;D ;D It wouldn`t improve the situation. We drink more than the recalled diplomat. Now, Bonobo, speak for yourself! Do you know that about Tufta and Tomek??? ;D |
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 11, 2009 16:32:42 GMT 1
It wouldn`t improve the situation. We drink more than the recalled diplomat. Now, Bonobo, speak for yourself! Do you know that about Tufta and Tomek??? ;D Come on, they are Polish.... |
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tomek
Nursery kid
Posts: 256 
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Post by tomek on Jan 11, 2009 23:04:21 GMT 1
Now, Bonobo, speak for yourself! Do you know that about Tufta and Tomek??? ;D Come on, they are Polish.... Plaese, no insulting on me. I never drink, almost but on New Year I take a glass of shampane, yes. |
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Post by tufta on Jan 13, 2009 18:35:11 GMT 1
It wouldn`t improve the situation. We drink more than the recalled diplomat. Now, Bonobo, speak for yourself! Do you know that about Tufta and Tomek??? ;D ;D ;D ;D and I don't keep carp in a bathtube either ;D |
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Post by Bonobo on Mar 26, 2009 21:51:07 GMT 1
www.tvn24.pl/-1,1592784,0,1,12_latek-wiozl-pijanego-ojca,wiadomosc.html The police stopped a jeep driven by a 12 year old boy. His father was too drunk to drive so he ordered his son to do it.
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Mar 26, 2009 22:04:26 GMT 1
www.tvn24.pl/-1,1592784,0,1,12_latek-wiozl-pijanego-ojca,wiadomosc.html The police stopped a jeep driven by a 12 year old boy. His father was too drunk to drive so he ordered his son to do it. Ah...further support for Bonobo's idea that not everyone should be allowed to procreate.  |
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