Drunk-driving group cross with GTA IV
It is "not a game and it is not a joke".
US group Mothers Against Drunk Driving has voiced its disappointment with Grand Theft Auto IV for including a section where you can drive around while drunk.
MADD issued a statement on its website calling for the game to be re-evaluated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board and for manufacturers to halt production "out of respect" for the millions that have been affected by drunk drivers.
"Each year nearly 13,500 people die in drunk driving crashes and another half a million are injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes. This is why MADD is extremely disappointed by the decision of the manufacturers of the game Grand Theft Auto IV to include a game module where players can drive drunk," read the statement.
"Drunk driving is not a game and it is not a joke. Drunk driving is a choice, a violent crime and it is also 100 percent preventable.
"MADD is calling on the Entertainment Software Ratings Board to reclassify Grand Theft Auto IV as an Adults Only game, a step up from the current rating of Mature and for the manufacturer to consider a stop in distribution - if not out of responsibility to society then out of respect for the millions of victims/survivors of drunk driving," concluded the statement.
Grand Theft Auto IV lets you go for a drink with some of your acquaintances and then drive home after if you can't be bothered to flag down a cab.
However, not only is driving around while inebriated extremely difficult, but it also sends the police after you if they happen to spot you on your journey. You could almost say there's a built-in deterrent.