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In the revelry of New Year celebrations in Hyderabad, the city witnessed an alarming surge in cases of drunk driving, with over 2,700 incidents reported. The special drive conducted by the police spanned the jurisdiction of both Hyderabad and Cyberabad police commissionerates, revealing a concerning trend in road safety violations during the festive season.
The majority of these cases, totaling over 1,500, were registered within the Hyderabad commissionerate limits. Simultaneously, more than 1,200 cases were identified in the Cyberabad region. The enforcement drive, featuring checkpoints and breathalyzer tests initiated from 8 p.m., aimed at ensuring public safety amidst the celebratory atmosphere.
According to the Cyberabad Police, a total of 1,241 individuals, including two women, faced charges related to drunk driving. Among these cases, 938 involved two-wheelers, while 275 implicated four-wheelers. The demographics of those caught reflected a diverse age distribution, with 382 offenders falling within the 18-25 age bracket, 536 in the 26-36 age group, and 239 in the 35-45 age group.
Further analysis of the data revealed that 196 individuals recorded a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) count exceeding 50, a clear violation of permissible limits. The legal alcohol limit is set at 30 micrograms/100 ml of blood or below, as indicated by a Breath Analyzer. Offenders with a BAC count between 51-99 numbered 485, while 281 fell within the range of 100-149. Additionally, 128 individuals recorded BAC counts between 150-199, and 100 people had counts ranging from 200-299. Notably, 51 cases displayed an alarming BAC count exceeding 300, highlighting severe intoxication.
Among the 15 police stations in Cyberabad, Miyapur recorded the highest number of drunk driving cases, totaling 263. Following closely, Kukatpally police station registered 123 cases. Drunk driving is a punishable offense under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, attracting a penalty of Rs 10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, the driving license of offenders is liable to be suspended for a minimum of three months or more, and in severe cases, may face permanent suspension.
The surge in drunk driving cases during New Year’s celebrations underscores the need for enhanced vigilance and enforcement of road safety measures. The police’s proactive measures, including the establishment of checkpoints and the use of breathalyzer tests, aimed to curb the prevalence of intoxicated driving and promote safer roads during festive occasions.
As the authorities analyze the data and take necessary legal actions against the offenders, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of responsible and sober driving, particularly during times of heightened celebration. Public awareness campaigns and stringent law enforcement are pivotal in fostering a culture of responsible alcohol consumption and ensuring the safety of road users in the city.
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