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Today In History with The Retrospectors
The 19th Century Drunk Driver
Sep 10, 2021
In this episode, George Smith, the first person arrested for drunk driving in 1897, shares his infamous story. He hilariously recounts crashing into the home of celebrated actor Sir Henry Irving, who faced the fallout of this historical moment. The discussion reveals how shame has shaped drink-driving convictions over the years and explores the bizarre excuses people have used to justify their actions. Plus, the guests tackle the evolution of laws and the role of the ‘Drunkometer’ in assessing sobriety.
11:49
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Quick takeaways
- George Smith's 1897 arrest for drunk driving marked a pivotal moment in legal history, highlighting the absence of measures like breathalyzer tests.
- Cultural shifts towards shame and accountability have significantly reduced drunk driving incidents, changing public attitudes and enforcement since the 1960s.
Deep dives
The First Arrest for Drunk Driving
On September 10th, 1897, George Smith became the first person arrested for drunk driving after crashing his electric cab into a building. He was fined 20 shillings, equivalent to about £130 today, but shockingly, he did not receive a driving ban. Smith was clocked driving erratically just before 1am following a night of drinking, and during the incident, he claimed that he couldn’t have been going fast due to the uphill trajectory of his cab. His arguments were overshadowed by the fact that he was ultimately charged for being drunk rather than for speeding, despite his insistence that it was his first time intoxicated while in charge of a cab.
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Discover
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