To curb the alarming rise in road accidents caused by drunk driving, the traffic police are set to bolster their efforts by acquiring a larger number of breath analysers. The move comes after repeated incidents of night-time accidents, many of which were traced back to intoxicated drivers losing control of their vehicles.
Currently, the traffic department operates with only 15 breath analysers — a number officials say is grossly inadequate to monitor the city effectively. This limited availability means drunk driving checks can be conducted at only a few select intersections and areas.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Sanjay Singh, revealed that a formal request has been made for 50 additional breath analysers. "Once the new devices are received, a large-scale enforcement drive will be launched across the city. More checkpoints will be set up to monitor both two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers for signs of intoxication," Singh said. He added that the initiative aims to significantly reduce accident rates and improve road safety.
Officials have noted a worrying trend where individuals visit bars, clubs, and hotels located on the outskirts of the city to consume alcohol, and then drive back into town under the influence. This poses a serious risk not only to the drivers themselves but also to other commuters.
To counter this, the traffic police plan to deploy breath analyser checkpoints at key entry points into the city.
