Don't drink and drive, cops are waiting!

IPL fun

The IPL matches are not only about soaking in all the excitement on the field but also off it. Getting high on the enviable variety of food and beverages available at the high-end lounges at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is part of the off-field fun.

But while one drowns oneself in all the fun, one has to also make sure that he or she doesn’t drive home drunk, for the Bangalore Traffic Police has made all arrangements to increase checks against drunken driving across the City during every IPL match. If you’ve consumed alcohol, then the safest bet would be to get driven home after the match. 

Additional commissioner of police (traffic) MA Saleem warns that the checks will be discreet and traffic police will be stationed at prominent junctions across the City to check people for drunken driving.

“We intend to depute 200 extra police force around the stadium to facilitate a smooth traffic flow. In all, there are 42 alcometers in 42 police stations across the City. The cops will be deployed in their respective jurisdictions to check for drunken driving,” explains Saleem, who feels that traffic during IPL matches always tests the nerves of the traffic police personnel in the City. Saleem further warns, “Those who are caught for drunken driving for the first time will have to appear in court for their vehicle will be seized and they will not be allowed to drive. They will have to pay the fine in court. The same person caught for the second time will have his licence recommended for cancellation.”

People confess they wait for the IPL season to arrive to head to the stadium. With liquor being served, people can’t resist having a peg or two but some of them feel that it’s better to be safe and make arrangements to be driven back home. Ajay Sivakumar has bought tickets to the IPL and he confesses that he’s surely going to help himself to a peg or two.

“We usually go in a big group and at least two or three people among us don’t drink, so that they can drive the rest of us back home. We also take a cab if all of us end up drinking. It’s better than getting caught,” he says.

Norman Leons, another youngster, is eager to watch the IPL match but he feels the tickets are too expensive. “If the tickets are so expensive, I can imagine the price of liquor. Nevertheless, if I end up drinking, I will take a cab back home,” he says.
Prashanth M and his friends never miss an opportunity to party out at the IPL every year, irrespective of the teams and the glamour quotient. His group of boys believe in going out there and having their own little fun. “The IPL match never ends without downing a few pegs. I drink responsibly but just in case things get out of hand, I get one of my friends to drive me back home or take an auto. Metro is also another option,” he concludes.