The fast and furious

The extended nightlife deadline may have reinforced the city’s posh tag. But enforcement drives by traffic police have brought to light that Bengaluru still has enough cases of youngsters who drive and ride under the influence of alcohol.

Psychologists say parents must play a more proactive role in keeping a track of what their children are up to. Adherence to certain norms and discipline must be inculcated at home from a younger age to discourage them from doing things that are against the law.

Psychologists also say that children must be allowed to share with elders the concerns that they may have. The lack of freedom to express their fears is also what prompts them to seek refuge in the company of friends and develop bad habits. Dr Sugami Ramesh, senior consultant, Clinical Psychology, Apollo Hospitals and counsellor at IIM (B) says, “When parents impose restrictions on the children, they must also explain why they have imposed such a restriction and give an explanation for the same. This will help children understand that they are not controlled but being guided in the right direction. This kind of approach is essential for children after 18 years,” explains Dr Sugami.  

Regular consumption of alcohol could lead to long-term health repercussions. Alcohol could be the prime trigger for depression, excess anger and personality disorders, confirms Dr Sugami. “Youngsters who consume alcohol on a regular basis have poor cognitive skills and even poorer judgment. They lack self-control and lose the ability to distinguish right from wrong. This category needs help and must not be run down,” she advises. 

 Parents and working professional agree that the cases of youngsters involved in drunk driving are rampant. Lt Akshay D Mandlik, who works with youngsters in various capacities, recalls a classmate from school who fell prey to drug addiction and had to be sent to a rehab. “Youngsters think it is cool to drink and this also stems from wanting to be accepted among their peers. They feel drinking is a kind of escapism from reality,” says Akshay.

He also observes that lack of a good atmosphere at home and absence of someone to confide in, also provokes them to act without thinking. Echoing Akshay’s views is Latha Paul, a mother of two teenagers, who says it helps when parents talk to their children at their level.

“It doesn’t help to exert pressure on children to follow certain norms. It is better to explain the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and take them through the legal aspects as well,” feels Latha. 

A study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) confirms those aged between 20 and 35 years are prone to drunk driving and the most accidents occur in the wee hours. “Most of the accident cases brought to the hospital are because of drunken driving. Even those as young as 16 years are falling prey to alcohol,” explains Dr G Gururaj, professor and head of department, Centre for Public Health and WHO Collaborating Centre for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, NIMHANS. He says early intervention and talking to young people about these aspects will help prevent such incidents. He reasons “The availability of liquor, increased purchasing power among the people and change of social norms have led to the increased consumption of alcohol.” He also thinks a strict enforcement of the existing rules will act as a deterrent.

The authorities with Bengaluru Traffic Police say it is best to hail a cab or hire a driver to return home after consuming alcohol. Ram Darshan, owner of ‘Hire a cab’ services says that he is flooded with calls to hire a cab on the weekends.

“It is mostly women who call for cabs. The prices are kept at a competitive level on weekends just to make sure that we don’t fall out of a regular flow of customers. This will also encourage people to take cabs which will indirectly reduce vehicles on the road,” he says.