The city of Pune is grappling with a troubling surge in nighttime accidents attributed to drunk driving, prompting the Pune Traffic Police to take stringent actions against offenders.
Rising Concerns:
Official data reveals that over the past nine months, 293 drivers have faced penalties for drunk driving. Among them, 132 were penalized in the Koregaon Park traffic division, 18 in Shivajinagar, 16 in Kondhwa, 13 in Bharati Vidyapeeth, and 11 in Hadapsar.
The urgency to address this issue reached its peak following a fatal accident in Narayan Peth, leading to the implementation of stricter enforcement measures, which include license suspensions and fines.
From January 1 to September 30, 2023, accidents involving alcohol have caused two fatalities, 12 severe injuries, and three minor injuries. In contrast, Pune has witnessed a total of 901 accidents, resulting in 269 fatalities and 519 serious injuries from January 1 to October 8, 2023.
While the Pune Traffic Police have maintained vigilance during high-risk periods like New Year’s Eve and Holi, critics argue that enforcement tends to wane afterward. Many motorists continue to operate vehicles under the influence after leaving hotels and beer bars, contributing to accidents on both main roads and alleys.
Moreover, not all traffic divisions exhibit the same level of proactivity. For example, the Vishram Bagh traffic division in the Narayan Peth area, where a recent fatal accident occurred, has taken action against only two drunk drivers in the past nine months.
In response to the escalating issue, the police have now adopted a stricter stance, which includes not only levying fines but also suspending licenses. This multifaceted approach aims to act as a strong deterrent against drunk driving, ensuring safer roads for all.
