Ramon Parra – famous for being the first person to ever lose their driving licence in Venezuela.

by | May 21, 2011 | Bizarre News, Economic Intrigue, elf n safety, Laugh? I pissed myself, UK Misery, Well I never. | 3 comments

If you are going to be first then you had better make sure you do it in style and what better way than to be caught speeding whilst driving an overloaded bus with one wheel missing :

Ramon Parra, 41, was rapped after being caught speeding while driving an overloaded bus that was missing one of its rear wheels.

The first law allowing authorities to suspend licenses was introduced in 2008 but until now had not been used.

National police chief Luis Fernandez told reporters: ‘It is important to emphasise that this is a totally new act; for the first time in Venezuela we are suspending a driving license, for 12 consecutive months.’

The maximum suspension is five years, for killing someone.

The South American country is notorious for its lax driving laws, with breath tests for drunk driving virtually unheard of.

Vehicles weave in and out of lanes on the interstate highways at speeds of up to 100 miles (160km) an hour, with the high volume of traffic attributable to low petrol – the average cost to fill a tank is just 70p.

One mayor in the country’s capital attempted to cut traffic jams by preventing car owners from driving one day a week, but the plan was overturned for violating citizens’ rights of free transit.

The interesting bit there for me is highlighted – how I wish I could fill up for 70p when it’s getting more like £70 here.

3 Comments

  1. Bucko

    True, although it may actually be cheaper to drive to Venezuela to fill up and drive home than it will be to nip to the local garage at those prices

  2. Bucko

    I read that and started whacking on about how good Venezuela sounds if you can fill your tank for 70p and how we should move there.

    Mrs Bucko pointed out that average wages in Venezueala are probably 70p per week.

    That pissed on my fire.

    • Wasp

      Bucko – there is that drawback yes and the average life expectancy is probably measured in weeks in the cities as well.