Drank and drove?head for traffic class

Attendance in class must to get vehicle released

Motorists caught on drunk-driving charges will now be required to attend traffic awareness classes to reclaim their vehicles. The City police are all set to revive the practice of compulsory sessions to ensure the safety of both motorists and the public.

The system is being relaunched after nearly two-and-a-half years following the directive of City Police Commissioner P. Prakash.

Drunk drivers will be required to obtain a certificate after attending the class. Currently, the police recommend to the Regional Transport Officers for suspending the driving licences of those caught for drunk driving. Other penalties include cancellation of the licence and imprisonment.

The norms have stipulated a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood as the permissible limit, exceeding which would attract legal measures under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

A deterrent

According to official sources, the classes were intended to act as a deterrent to drunk driving and to encourage adherence to road safety norms.

The offenders will be made to interact with the victims of road accidents to understand their hardships that were the result of irresponsible driving.

Besides, the classes, which are planned to be conducted at the City traffic police station on Tuesdays and Sundays, will include the screening of images and videos of accidents and sessions led by counsellors.

Deputy Commissioner of Police G. Jayadev, Assistant Commissioner (Traffic – North) S. Anilkumar, and Assistant Commissioner (Traffic – South) M.K. Zulfiqer will lead the classes.