Travelling with drunk drivers also a crime: Cyberabad traffic police

According to Traffic police officials, it was noticed that most of the motorists driving in an inebriation condition had someone accompanying them on bikes, cars and other heavy vehicles

Hyderabad: Driving in an inebriated condition can land you in jail. There is nothing new about that. But from now, not just drunk driving, but traveling with someone who is driving after drinking beyond what he or she can also be considered an offence.

The Cyberabad Traffic Police have decided to take strict action against those traveling with drunk drivers. According to Traffic police officials, it was noticed that most of the motorists driving in an inebriation condition had someone accompanying them on bikes, cars and other heavy vehicles. In cases of road crashes, not only the driver but also the pillion rider or passengers in the vehicles too were losing lives.

As Cyberabad, due to its vast area, witnesses a large number of road crashes and deaths every year due to various reasons, strict enforcement of traffic rules leading to discipline on roads is of utmost importance, officials have felt.

“Instead of stopping the person who drives after getting drunk, these people are accompanying them. They are found to be resorting to driving recklessly on all roads and ending up killing others or dying in road crashes,” said SM Vijay Kumar, DCP (Traffic), Cyberabad.

From now onwards, any person found to be traveling along with drunk people will be booked under section 188 (Punishment for Abetment of Offences) of The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. According to the law, the driver who drives under influence of alcohol and those who travel with him should be imprisoned.

Officials said road fatalities had increased in recent times and a detailed analysis revealed that one of the reasons was drunk driving. Emphasising the safety of people and traffic rules, Cyberabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar said obeying traffic rules would not only secure the life of individuals but also create a safe ecosystem on the roads for others too.

“Most citizens intentionally allow their friends and family members to drive vehicles under influence of alcohol, clearly knowing it is illegal and highly risky. This poses a serious threat to themselves and other road users,” Vijay Kumar said.

It is the responsibility of those present to warn and educate such drivers on traffic rules and ensure that they follow rules. Otherwise, they will also face legal consequences. People have to change their behaviour and keep away from ignorance, for better and safe commuting, the DCP said.

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