The City traffic police will launch a massive 10-day campaign to ensure peaceful and safe New Year celebrations.
“We have decided to launch the campaign on December 20 to prevent violence or road accidents on the night of December 31,” Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Safety) B Dayananda told Deccan Herald.
The preventive measure comes in the wake of increased road accidents, drunken brawls and unpleasant incidents occurring on New Year’s Eve.
“We see many drunk revellers causing trouble to others. Many people die in road accidents due to rash and negligent driving. Hence, we have planned the campaign,” Dayananda said.
The campaign will focus on the ill-effects of drunken driving, in addition to providing the public with safety tips.
“We will use both conventional and technological methods for the campaign. We will put up hoardings and banners at important places and distribute pamphlets cautioning against drunken driving and explaining safety measures. We will post campaign materials and details of fines for traffic violations on Facebook and Twitter. We will even use FM radio stations for the campaign and send SMSes and flash alerts on the Variable Messaging System,” Dayananda said.
Duplicating success
Every year, an average of five people are killed either on December 31 or on January 1, mainly due to drunken driving. The Bangalore traffic police achieved a milestone last year as no deaths were reported following the launch of a similar campaign.
“We want to continue this trend. The police plan to take tough measures such as closing major flyovers and roads where youth normally indulge in reckless driving and cause accidents,” a senior officer said.
The police said they will keep an eye on the outskirts of the City where more drunken brawls are reported.
Norms relaxed
Norms regarding the closing of commercial outlets are likely to be relaxed on the night of December 31. There are plans to allow commercial establishments, including bars, restaurants and pubs, to operate till 1 am.
“The Commissioner of Police will issue a notification in this regard in the last week of December,” the officer added.
While police plan to sternly warn troublemakers, officers have decided to deal strictly with those found guilty of reckless driving.
“Drunken driving will attract a penalty of Rs 2,000 and the police could impound the driving licences of those guilty of the offence for the third time,” police said.