290 arrested for drunken driving
The police have arrested at least 290 offenders under Section 202 of the Motor Vehicles Act for driving under the influence of alcohol and issued 1,246 challans during the first week of a special state-wide campaign launched on September 24 to control the rising number of drunken driving cases.
Besides, the police had recommended to the local licencing authorities to suspend 483 driving licences (DL) for drunken driving.
The highest number of 51 persons were arrested for drunken driving in Mandi district and 39 in Baddi. At least 89 driving licences were recommended for suspension in Solan, highest in the state and 59 in Bilaspur district. Similarly, the highest number of challans were issued in Solan district (143) followed by Shimla where 133 challans were issued.
This 15-day police campaign was launched on September 24 with an aim to tackle the menace of drunken driving, reduce road accidents and promote a culture of safe and responsible driving. During the initial phase of the campaign, 46,901 vehicles were checked in various districts for drunken driving. The drive will continue across the state till October 8.
DGP Atul Verma said that this campaign was part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that violators face appropriate consequences, thereby acting as a deterrent to others. “Drunken driving is one of the major causes of road accidents. This ongoing campaign is part of our commitment to make roads safer for everyone. We appeal to the public to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol and support our efforts in making Himachal Pradesh a safer place,” he added.
At the end of the first week, the data collected at the Traffic Tourism and Railways (TTR) Headquarters, Shimla, revealed remarkable results. The number of challans issued for drunken driving, the recommendations for the cancellation or suspension of driving licences and people arrested have significantly increased compared to the past eight months.
The DGP said that the police would continue to monitor road safety norm violations and take necessary enforcement actions in the coming days. He appealed to people to follow traffic rules and report any instances of drunken driving to the nearest police station or by dialling 112. “We remain committed to maintaining road safety and will continue to take strict action against traffic violations,” he added.
