The picture is great because I can feel the driver's remorse. However, the penalties for drink drivers are what that caught my eye.

I look at these penalties for first, second and subsequent offenders and told myself, no wonder drink driving is on the rise. What is $5,000 to someone who owes a car? Peanuts.

If you sell drugs, your property will be seized. If you use the cellphone while driving, your cellphone will be forfeited when you are convicted. Why not apply the same principle here? Let's be consistent and confiscate the car.

This has been a great year for all. Increments are good, bonuses are huge, so there's going to be a lot of celebration with drinks. If the Government is really keen to keep drink driving in check, confiscating the car is the only way to go.

There are lots of merits to this scheme. Firstly, it will help taxi drivers to get more business, which has been slumping after the recent rate-hike.

Secondly, the confiscated vehicles can be given to charities to help move the disabled or the elderly around.

Thirdly, if there are too many vehicles seized, some of them can be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to charities.

I am sure that if this is implemented, drink-driving offences will immediately nose-dive. Why? Because finally, the penalty befits the crime.

Chua Boon Hou