The use of breath analysers, introduced by the traffic department to keep a check on drunken driving, has become an occasional affair for the department. This is despite the fact that drunken driving was ascertained to be the reason behind some recent cases of road mishaps.
Sources in traffic department said they use breath analysers only during special drives initiated by the department. To keep a check on drunken and reckless driving, the traffic police of Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore had first started using breath analysers so as to easily catch those driving after consuming alcohol. However, the police in Ahmedabad bring the breath analysers in use usually during navratri or on New Year’s eve.
A senior traffic officer, on condition of anonymity, said “Once in a month, we launch special drives mainly at the highways and other important roads to nab people who drive under the influence of alcohol.”
The official justified the occasional use of the instrument, saying if it was done on a regular basis it may lead to traffic jams. The Ahmedabad traffic department has 10 such breath analysers. The department started using the analysers early last year by conducting drives and booking drivers if found violating the norms.
JCP, traffic, Atul Karwal, however, claimed that the traffic department was getting more breath analysers and regular tracking down of drunken drivers would soon start. Karwal also said the traffic department will not tolerate any violation of norms as drunken drivers pose a threat not only to themselves but also to others on the road.
The JCP’s claims notwithstanding, the traffic department is yet to start using breath analysers on a regular basis. People caught for drunken driving if convicted face imprisonment up to six months.
