No drunken driving this year, say Pune cops

The city traffic police have started a campaign against drunk driving that will cover both Christmas and New Year.

The police observed that driving under the influence of alcohol is a major cause of fatal accidents. They have managed to control drunk driving cases over the last two years. In 2009, the city police registered 2,914 cases and in 2010, the number of cases was 2,556. This year till December 21, the police nabbed 2,394 people for drunken driving.

So far, 235 violators have been nabbed during the drive. Assistant police inspector (administration) KC Lavange told DNA, “This year we have provided 30 breath analysers to every traffic division. So, in a special drive, the city police would be able to nab the violators.”

He said violators would be arrested and produced before the court and their driving licences seized.

Lavange said plain-clothes policemen with walkie-talkies will be deployed at party venues so they can inform the nearest police team if they spot someone driving after getting drunk.
He said during festivals, several cases of traffic violation are reported.

“People who drive two-wheelers without silencers or carry more than one pillion rider on the bike will be fined,” Lavange said.