Drone-related accidents are starting to become a real issue in Western countries. Even a good drone – that is, fast and with long-living battery – is something that a regular Kovalsky can afford with relative ease. Therefore it is no wonder that a high number of less than responsible people got their hands on fliers, and even less of a wonder that some of these people caused a number of accidents – like that journalist that caused a head injury to a woman after crashing his drone into a building. Some of these people like to have a drink or six when they go flying.

In an attempt to put a stop to irresponsible drunk-droning, New Jersey state assembly lawmakers have voted in favour of making it a criminal offense to fly a drone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Chris Christie, now an ex-NJ governor, signed that bill into law. Flying a drone ”under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drug or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol” in New Jersey can now get you six months in prison, a $1000 fine or both. Additionally, interfering with public services such as firefighters or police will be sufficient reasons for an 18-month jail sentence or a $10k fine.

Reportedly as many as 38 other states consider imposing such a ban. Sounds good to me. Your thoughts?