Surge in Drunk Driving Accidents Prompts Pune Traffic Police to Tighten Measures
Pune, 10th October 2023: The city of Pune has witnessed a concerning rise in nighttime accidents due to drunk driving, prompting the traffic police to intensify their crackdown on offenders.
According to official data, 293 drivers have been penalized for drunk driving in the last nine months. Out of 293, a total of 132 were penalized in Koregaon Park traffic division, 18 in Shivajinagar, 16 in Kondhwa, 13 in Bharati Vidyapeeth and 11 in Hadapsar.
The issue gained heightened attention after a fatal accident in Narayan Peth, leading to stricter enforcement measures, including license suspensions and fines.
Between January 1 and September 30, 2023, alcohol-related accidents have resulted in two deaths, 12 serious injuries, and three minor injuries. In contrast, the city has seen a total of 901 accidents, causing 269 deaths and 519 serious injuries, from January 1 to October 8, 2023.
While the traffic police have been vigilant during high-risk periods like New Year’s Eve and Holi, critics argue that enforcement wanes afterward. Many motorists continue to drive under the influence after leaving hotels and beer bars, contributing to accidents on both main roads and alleys.
Not all traffic divisions are equally proactive. For instance, the Vishram Bagh traffic division in the Narayan Peth area, where a recent fatal accident occurred, have taken action against only two drunk drivers in the past nine months.
In response to the escalating issue, the police have now adopted a stricter stance, including the suspension of licenses along with levying fines, in an attempt to deter drunk driving.
