China Bans Drug Addicts From Driving

China is getting serious about stopping its citizens from getting behind the wheel while under the influence. The government has banned drug addicts from getting driver's licenses and says that any addicts who haven't received treatment and recovered fully must apply to have their licenses revoked within the next 30 days. Any driver who is pulled over and found under the influence of drugs will be punished or fined, while those who are deemed to be addicts will be stripped of their licenses. Local police will also start increasing roadside checks. The ruling comes on the heels of a well-publicized traffic accident that caused 14 deaths in East China in April—the driver of the coach involved in the accident tested positive for drugs. China currently has 1.19 million heroin addicts and a burgeoning synthetic drug problem—an estimated 40% of the country's synthetic drug users are new to the habit. China's reputation when it comes to the human rights of drug users is less than outstanding: the Human Rights Watch just released a report that claiming drug addicts in Beijing detention centers are subject to physical abuse and often detained against their will.