New Delhi: Delhi increasingly lives life in the fast lane and the number of accidents on Delhi roads has increased. And drunken driving is seen as a major menace. Delhi Traffic Police have launched a campaign to educate people about the ill effects of drunken driving, and to catch offenders.
Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police, Delhi S N Shrivastava talks to NDTV.com about the plans and how they intend to curb the menace.
Q. People in Delhi are in the habit of drinking and driving. So what was the immediate cause for the Traffic Police launching this special drive?
A. I agree, but let me make it clear that we do the work throughout the year. It's not that we have chosen some particular time of the year. But when we feel that the campaign needs more publicity and emphasis, we start these campaigns. The work goes on throughout the year.
Q. What is the success rate of the current drive? Has it been more successful than previous ones?
A. It's been quite a successful drive if you ask me. And it's a 100 per cent increase in the prosecution rate from last year. Last year, the Traffic Police caught 4232 offenders. And this year, it's already 6380 cases till July 15. This is an increase of 60.7 per cent over last year. Such cases usually take place during the weekends or holidays, and between 6 pm and 1 am. Though we are trying our best to control these numbers, the quantum of offence is still high.
A lot of accidents take place in the city because people are usually in a hurry; drunk driving is just one of the causes. Also, goods vehicles enter the city limit after 9.30 pm causing a lot of accidents. We have been trying to control that. Right now, we are focusing on drunk driving.
Q. If this is a successful operation, why not continue it throughout the year?
A. We are. We are continuing these drives throughout the year. There are surprise checks, camps organised by the Traffic Police to punish the offenders. It's not just that we stop people from doing wrong at a certain time of the year. Ours is a round-the-clock duty and we do our work efficiently.
Q. Do you think the sections under which the offenders are booked are not very stringent? Do you feel there's a need for stricter laws?
A. Yes, I feel so. Section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act under which we charge the drunk riders has a provision of a jail term or a monetary fine. Instead, he should not be permitted to drive again. Police should have the authority to cancel the driving license of those who break the law.
I also feel that the police should have the power to settle the cases. Right now, the cases go to court which punishes the offenders. I feel the police should have the power to punish the offenders then and there.
Q. Does the Traffic Police face any manpower shortage while performing duties?
A. Yes, we are facing a manpower shortage. Going by the amount of work we do, we need more people. On an average, a traffic policeman works from 8 am to 1 am. And then has to again report on duty at 8 am. So, it's too strenuous. Our department has been talking to the government about increasing the workforce.
Q. What age groups of people are usually caught driving drunk?
A. It's usually younger people, but there are middle-aged people as well.
Q. It's a general perception that offenders are easily let off by the policemen by paying money. And so, people take it (breaking the rules) for granted. What do you have to say to this?
A. This is absolutely false. Tell me, how many drunk people are let off just by paying money? We take our duty very seriously. But I think it's upto the people to be responsible. We are doing all we can - distributing leaflets, educating people by advertising in newspapers and radio; we are also taking our campaign to the Internet. The Traffic Police are doing all this for the people only and they need to understand this. Everybody should come forward and take responsibility for not breaking the law and cooperate with us.
Q. Considering the rising cases of various communicable disease, how hygienic is the apparatus traffic policemen use to check the presence of alcohol?
A. We are very careful and take all the precautions while using the apparatus on people. Every apparatus comes with a detachable funnel, which is thrown away after testing on one individual. A new funnel is used every time.