`Terrorists on roads': Cyberabad police launch massive operation against drunken driving
By Newsmeter Network Published on 30 Dec 2020 6:00 AM GMT
Hyderabad: Waking up to increasing road accidents, Cyberabad police have launched a massive operation against drunken driving (DD) in the city. As many as 928 DD cases have been registered across Cyberabad. This month so far, 3387 DD cases have been booked.
People between 21 and 40 years of age were found to be involved more in this dangerous activity. All those found involved in DD have been booked under section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. A penalty of Rs. 10000 or imprisonment up to 6 months is for the first offence. A penalty of Rs. 15000 or imprisonment up to 2 years are for the second or subsequent offence.
Also, all their driving licenses will be seized and sent to the concerned RTOs for suspension as per section 19 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Police said for the first offence, the driving licence (DL) will be suspended for 3 months. For the second and subsequent offences, the DL will be revoked permanently making the person ineligible to drive in India.
Police said the drive will continue until this menace is totally curbed in the city in view of road safety. In 2020, as many as 155 fatal accidents have taken place due to driving under the influence of alcohol. Around 166 people lost their lives in these accidents.
Cyberabad Police said in this background, it is felt that the persons who drive under the influence of alcohol are like "terrorists on roads" to the extent that they may cause death to anyone indiscriminately.
"Also, against all popular misconceptions, it is found that most of the drunk drivers are highly educated and employed persons. Shockingly, many of them have been to some of the big cities like New York, Melbourne, Singapore, and Dubai, etc where they would never think of committing any traffic rule violation. But, here in their home state, they indulge in these dangerous acts at the cost of the safety of themselves and other innocent people. This aspect needs introspection by the citizens," said VC Sajjanar, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad.
He said the loss of young lives in road accidents is adding great psychological stress to lakhs of families every year in the country.
"Drunk driving has been one of the major causes of road accidents. Cyberabad Police urge citizens to exhibit seriousness and sense of self-discipline in following traffic rules always on all roads in view road safety," he said.
