Hyderabad: Drunk driving leading to fatal accidents is continuing to be a major concern for the police in Cyberabad.
This year so far, there were 651 fatal accidents reported across the Commissionerate, out of which 202 accidents were due to drunk driving.
According to Traffic Police officials, many motorists driving in an inebriated condition were dying in accidents or causing the death of others including pillion riders. With Cyberabad witnessing a large number of fatal accidents every year, a detailed analysis of accidents and deaths was done, and drunk driving was found to be among the prime causes.
As per data, of the 651 fatal accidents, 202 crashes which constitute about 31 percent of the fatal crashes had occurred due to drunk driving. Likewise, of 2,964 non-fatal road crashes this year, 954 accidents, which constitute about 32 percent of non-fatal crashes, were due to drunk driving. Either the driver or those accompanying them or pedestrians lost their lives in these fatal crashes.
Officials said it was observed during special drives against drunk driving that many of those caught drunk driving were under the impression that since they had only a limited intake of alcohol, it would have no effect on them and that they could drive perfectly. The legally permissible limit of alcohol in blood in India is only 30 mg/100 ml of blood.
“The effect of alcohol on human body is not uniform on all persons and it depends on numerous factors. Any quantity of alcohol would definitely have impact on the judgment and responsiveness of a person that affects their driving skills,” officials said.
“Drunk driving and driving by unauthorized persons have been major causes of road crashes and fatalities on roads in Cyberabad. Accident data clearly shows this. Citizens need to be responsible and make alternative modes for travel when they are under the influence of alcohol,” said SM Vijay Kumar, DCP (Traffic), Cyberabad.
All those found driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol will be produced before a court after filing charge sheet for drunk driving, the DCP said, adding that their driving licenses were being seized and forwarded to Regional Transport Offices for suspension.
Persons who cause fatal accidents, particularly in drunk condition, were being booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder as per section 304 part II of the Indian Penal Code, which could result in the imprisonment of up to 10 years. People who knowingly allow or accompany drunk drivers too were being prosecuted.
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