Mumbai:
If transport commissioner Dilip Jadhav has his way, all persons caught driving under the influence of alcohol may have to undergo a short course, with counseling sessions, lessons about responsible driving, sensitization with traffic rules, among other things.
Presently, this course is mandatory only for the people who come to renew their licenses.
Started in September, the idea behind this 30-minute course is to sensitize existing drivers towards new traffic rules, safe driving practices and precautionary measures to be taken while driving, etc. This is done through lectures, discussions and documentary film screenings.
About 1.5 lakh motorists in the state have undergone the course to date.
When asked whether the course will be extended to persons found driving under the influence of alcohol, Jadhav said, "The idea seems quite effective in dealing with the problem of drunken driving in the city."
The transport commissioner, though, cautioned that the idea could work only if the drunken drivingcases are systematically brought to the RTOs where the courses are held. Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Brijesh Singh said, "Any initiative that seeks to encourage responsible driving will find favour with the traffic police. This is a welcome step."
The traffic police had started its drive against drunk driving in 2007, and as per its data, there have been 54,943 cases registered till date. Till November 8, 2010, 12,396 cases have been registered, including motorists who faced simple imprisonment or had their licenses suspended under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Recently, Maharashtra home minister RR Patil had claimed that about 75% of accident deaths occur due to human error: that is, because of the mistakes of the drivers. Officials from the traffic police could not be reached for comment.
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