Jamshedpur Police launch checks to prevent drunken driving in view of approaching ‘Holi’

Jamshedpur, March 5: The district traffic department has decided to act tough against drunk driving keeping in view Holi, the festival of colours. Officials informed that starting from Saturday special drives are being carried out at different areas of the city to check drunken driving. 

“This time we are serious on the issue. The drive will help in checking road mishaps. Drunk driving is one of the major reasons for road mishaps during the festival. We are also issuing a general appeal asking people not to drive vehicles– two and four wheelers –under the influence of alcohol,” said a traffic police official.

According to him ,  during the drive the vehicle of an offender will be seized, he will be fined and the vehicle will be released the next day with a warning. He said that the offenders will have to pay fine of Rs 2,000 as per the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act. It might also lead to imprisonment for six months.

As per relevant sections of the MV Act, the punishment can be enhanced to three years with a penalty of Rs 3,000 for the second offence.

Apart from the breathalyzer the patrol party of different police stations which moves around  the city have also been directed to keep a vigil on such people driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol.

” Apart from the breathalyzer, policemen will also stop people found in inebriated condition by inhaling their mouth. ” Blood sample of such persons will be tested. If the alcohol level in blood exceeds 30 mg/ 100 ml he will be punished under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act,” added the official.

Sources in police revealed that strategic locations at Sakchi, Bistupur, Kadma and Sonari have been identified where the drive will be carried out. Police constables will be deployed on different streets of the city, including Sakchi, Bistupur, Kadma, Sonari, Golmuri, Burmamines and Telco to keep an eye on rash driving.

 According to him, chances of road mishaps increase manifold due to rash driving.  So it will be wise to rein in the offenders by conducting checks at different places of the city. Constables have been asked to be strict against such offenders,” he said, adding helmet and documents checking was on in Jamshedpur. The traffic police will also slap a fine amounting to Rs 500 for rash driving.

 Youths are high on bhang and liquor while riding their vehicles. Road mishaps have been a regular problem during Holi and the traffic police will try all its best to ensure hassle-free celebrations from the accident point of view.