The potholes in the city may be taking lives (by causing road traffic accidents), but it seems overall the number of road accidents between the period of April 1st to June 30 have reduced
Representational Image
The potholes in the city may be taking lives (by causing road traffic accidents), but it seems overall the number of road accidents between the period of April 1st to June 30 have reduced – indicating that people have started driving more cautiously.
ADVERTISEMENT
This number is especially more significant since this period is when the highway liquor ban was brought into force. As per a report by Time of India, The number of dunk driving cases on highways have gone down by 40% and the number of deaths and injuries were down by 11-14%. The data was collected by the state police department that suggested minor accidents without injuries had dropped by 21% in the period under consideration. All of this was for the period of April to June 2017.
However, in a statement, Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) said, "The police's initiatives, such as the setting up of alco-booths at hotels to help people measure their blood alcohol levels before driving, are helping a lot." He also added that it might be a bit premature to hail the drive a success as it was too soon to judge the longterm impact of the highway liquor ban.
As per Kumar, the resultant drop in numbers could also be because of the positive intervention of the cops, cooperation by the public and more awareness about not drinking and driving.
As per a senior state officer, said, "A closer reading of the data suggests that a substantial number of cases showing decline are from Maharashtra's cities and towns that have a lower proportion of state and national highways. The proportions of drink-driving cases and accidents under the influence of liquor were even otherwise lower on highways compared to ordinary roads," he said. "Also, there are dhabas that are still serving liquor."
But as per the state, further tightening the noose around those selling liquor illegally will further lower the number of people who drink and drive.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
