Over 9,000 cases of drunk drivers in AP database
Faced with the growing number of drunken driving cases, the Hyderabad traffic police is planning to create a database of drivers involved in such cases to help them keep a close watch on them.
The database of the offenders would be integrated with the hand-held PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devices of the traffic personnel, Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) C V Anand said. “This will enable us to know the details on the kind of repeated offence and pending fines, among other details of such drivers,” the police official said.
The traffic police also proposed stringent measures like imprisonment for habitual offenders and cancellation of their driving licenses as part of a special drive against drunken driving.
The drive against drunken driving in the city was launched in November last year. Till now, over 9,000 cases have been registered.
“But till date, we do not have a database of such offenders. We are now planning to create a database of repeat offenders," Anand said adding that the drive would be further intensified. “Enforcement of steps against drunken driving will be further intensified with increased checking to bring down the road-crash related accidents and number of deaths. Besides, efforts are on to bring in more stringent measures against these offenders,” the ACP said.
“We are demanding for awarding imprisonment for those who are caught in repeated offences. We are working with the road transport officials seeking to cancel their driving licenses apart from imposing fines and can also order for suspension of licenses,” Anand said.
According to the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, if the reading of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is found above 30 mg per 100 ml blood in the breath analyser test, it is considered drunk driving.
“After detecting drunken driving, we will not arrest the drivers but their vehicles will be seized. Then, we’ll ask them to come for counselling and educate them about the dangers of drunken driving,” the police official said.
Later, the drunk drivers will be produced before a local court, and a fine of Rs 3,000 will be imposed on such drivers .
