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Driving into danger

Last Updated 06 July 2015, 14:45 IST

The recent incident in which a software professional ran into two constables in an inebriated state has once again brought to light the perils of drunk driving. Although the Bengaluru Traffic Police have been claiming that they have taken measures to contain both drunk driving and underage driving, many Bengalureans feel that enough is not being done and accidents are on the rise. The traffic police also point out that the citizens need to co-operate and work hand in hand with the authorities to bring down such cases.

Babu, an IT professional, says that only on the main roads can one find cops checking for drunk drivers all the time. “The traffic police are missing in areas like Indiranagar, where there are a plenty of pubs. This should not be the case. The traffic police must spread across the City and not just in a few pockets,” he says. IT professional Prashanth Pandey adds that those who intend to have a drink must opt for carpooling.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) MA Saleem points out that cases of drunk driving have remained constant in the City and the number hasn’t dipped in the last so many years. “Despite regular checks and stringent enforcement, people continue to drink and drive because the deterrence level is really low,” he states. Saleem points out that people will be more alert once the amendment to the Indian Motor Vehicles Act is passed. “The proposed amendment stipulates a jail term and an increased fine for drunk driving from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000. The proposal is still pending in Parliament,” says Saleem.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police also point out that not less than 600 cases of drunk driving are booked during weekends and the weekly tally sometimes runs up to 1,000. CK Baba, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic, East division), states that in the central and eastern parts of the City, drunk driving cases exceed 700.

“The vehicle is seized and the offender will have to pay a fine of Rs 3,000 or more in court. The vehicle is released only after the fine is paid in court,” he adds.  
 
 And if drunk driving is not enough to create a scare on the roads, there are also youngsters below the age of 18 who are taking to the wheels and flouting all rules.
Motorists, who are witness to underage driving, think it’s high time parents instilled a sense of road discipline in their wards.

Kavitha, accounts manager with Builders and Developers, says, “I don’t think parents bother about the consequences of giving bikes to young children. I don’t allow my daughter to take the bike onto the main road, but I see a lot of her friends riding on main roads. It is the parents’ responsibility to check this trend.”

Baba informs that there are not less than two policemen at every prominent school and college junction between 3 pm and 4 pm and in the mornings to check on underage drivers. “Whenever we spot underage drivers and riders, we don’t penalise them on the roads because they tend to get scared and overspeed when they see us. So, we note their vehicle numbers, call them to the station and then fine them,” explains Baba.

Sowmya Gupta, a homemaker, says that she has seen school kids ride bikes and feels that while drunk driving checks have been tightened, more needs to be done. “I would blame parents for encouraging their children to ride or drive before they reach the legal age limit. In places like Mysuru, the vehicles of those who are caught for drunk driving are immediately seized. I hope this is done here as well,” she says.

While that is the case, Saleem points out that it is difficult to ascertain if a person is below 18 or not when caught. “It is difficult to ascertain just by seeing a person if he or she is below 18. But we have caught a lot of underage riders wheeling and drag racing in the eastern parts of the City such as KR Puram, Frazer Town and Jayamahal,” he adds.
        
When its comes to underage driving, Prashanth thinks ultimately, the onus lies on the parents. “Parents should not encourage their children to drive when they are too young as it could not only endanger their own life but that of fellow motorists as well.”

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(Published 06 July 2015, 14:45 IST)

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