A new insurance policy that provides coverage for drunken driving activities in China has ignited a nationwide debate, especially among drivers and their relatives, insurance companies and sociologists. The policy, launched by Tian'an Insurance Company earlier this year, was officially approved by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) Thursday.

The policy stipulates that the insurance company will compensate a third party for injuries or property losses caused by the policy holder as a result of drunken driving.

The introduction of the insurance was supported by some drivers but condemned by many people who said that it could lead to rising road accidents and challenge social morality.

"Drunken driving is popular in the country, we must face reality," said Li Rongxiong, manager of the Chengdu branch of Tian'an in the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Officials with CIRC echoed his point of view, saying that the new policy would protect the interests of the third party while drunk drivers did not escape other responsibilities.

Wu Xia, a lawyer from Sichuan-based Zhonghao Lawyers Firm, also supported the policy.

"When the driver can not pay for the losses he causes to a third party, the victim can get maximum compensation out of this policy," he said.

"I don't think the policy will lead to rising road accidents, because it does not include compensation for the driver's losses," he said.

A woman in Beijing surnamed Hu said that she would buy the policy for her husband as he could not avoid drinking alcohol in his daily business activities.

It is a common practice for Chinese businessmen to have dinner and drink alcohol with their colleagues, which they claim improves their relationships and business opportunities.

However, a driver in Beijing surnamed Quan said the new type of insurance would make driving more dangerous, because some drivers would feel free to drink alcohol.

"I am already too scared of drunk drivers. I will never buy this insurance policy to support it," he said.

Calling the policy absurd, Jiang Huaping from Chengdu also said that the insurance would encourage some drivers to drink alcohol.

Hao Yansu, dean of the Insurance Department under The Beijing-based Central University of Finance and Economics, denounced the new insurance as "evil", saying that the insurance company only considered the economic benefits without considering the health, happiness and security of others.

"I am disappointed with the official approval of this type of insurance. It is not good for public welfare," said a female student from Beijing Normal University.
 
(People's Daily   Aug 26, 2003)