The prosecution rate for drunk drivers in the Capital is abysmally low at less than 7 per cent, a survey has found. This is despite measures like Operation Chakravyuha and licence-seizure exercises being in place.
The survey by NGO Community Against Drunken Driving (CADD) was conducted among 5,000 respondents between the age of 15-44 years. It has revealed that of all those had driven under the influence of alcohol, only 6.94 per cent were stopped and prosecuted by the police.
The survey interviewed people outside bar and pub clusters in locations such as Hauz Khas village, Khan Market, Rajouri Garden, Defence Colony, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash-I, and Saket. The report was prepared earlier this month, said CADD founder president Prince Singhal.
About the factors leading to the poor rate of prosecution, Mr. Singhal said that most youngsters knew where police pickets are placed. He added that they also know alternate routes.
Predictable police pickets
Another factor, he said, was that the police did not place pickets during the day. Many youngsters who participated in the survey admitted that often they consumed alcohol during college hours and drove freely.
CADD has claimed that of the 1,875 accident deaths in the Capital last year, nearly 70% were due to drunk driving. While the Delhi Police does not maintain a cumulative data, police officials agreed that most accidents were caused by drunk drivers.
The most such recent case happened two days ago when 21-year-old Rishabh Rawat mowed down two men and injured another in Janakpuri.
“The recent accident in Janakpuri is just one among many that are waiting to happen. We are sitting on a time bomb. It is time that the police and the government get their act together. There will be no end to this brutality on the road otherwise,” said Mr. Singhal.
The survey also identified a drinking pattern for Delhi. As many as 49.6% men and 42.3% women respondents claimed to have had their first drink before or at the age of 13. Though the sample does not represent a pan-Delhi crowd, the responses indicated that youngsters spend a lot of money on alcohol.
Money flows for alcohol
“At least 45% Delhiites below the age of 25 spend between Rs.8,000-20,000 per month on alcohol,” says the survey.
According to Mr. Singhal, drunk driving in the Capital is rising by almost 50% every year, and that the number of fatalities are rising constantly.
“The need of the hour is stricter measures like arresting drunk drivers, making drunk driving non bailable in case of fatal accidents or grievous injury, improving enforcements from midnight to 4 a.m, which is when most drunk driving accidents happen, and having ignition interlock devices in cars, especially luxury cars,” he added.
The most recent case happened two days ago when a 21-year-old mowed down two men in Janakpuri
