Over 22,000 caught for drunk driving in 3 yrs: Transport min | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: At least 22,672 people were caught driving under the influence of alcohol across Odisha from 2020 to 2023, transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said in a written reply in the assembly on Thursday.
Responding to a question from Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Jena said, “Altogether 11,377 vehicles linked to drink and drive were seized during the period. At least 2,197 accidents were caused by drunk drivers during 2020-2023.”
As per Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, motorists are prohibited from driving if their blood alcohol content exceeds 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. Under the Act, a drunk driver faces a fine of Rs 10,000 or imprisonment up to six months or both for the first offence. For second and subsequent offences, a fine of Rs 15,000 or imprisonment up to two years or both are applicable.
“We have been issuing a stern caution about drunk driving. Causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence of alcohol may result in prosecution under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Such cases are classified as culpable homicide, not amounting to murder, carrying penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment plus fines,” a senior police official said.
The Odisha police intend to implement non-invasive baton breathalyser testing to enforce drink driving regulations, sources said. The current method requiring drivers to blow into straws will be replaced by a contactless system, improving convenience for both officers and motorists. These digital alcohol testing devices, shaped like batons, can detect breath samples remotely, reducing disease transmission risks between officers and test subjects.
Responding to a question from Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy, Jena said, “Altogether 11,377 vehicles linked to drink and drive were seized during the period. At least 2,197 accidents were caused by drunk drivers during 2020-2023.”
As per Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, motorists are prohibited from driving if their blood alcohol content exceeds 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. Under the Act, a drunk driver faces a fine of Rs 10,000 or imprisonment up to six months or both for the first offence. For second and subsequent offences, a fine of Rs 15,000 or imprisonment up to two years or both are applicable.
“We have been issuing a stern caution about drunk driving. Causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence of alcohol may result in prosecution under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Such cases are classified as culpable homicide, not amounting to murder, carrying penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment plus fines,” a senior police official said.
The Odisha police intend to implement non-invasive baton breathalyser testing to enforce drink driving regulations, sources said. The current method requiring drivers to blow into straws will be replaced by a contactless system, improving convenience for both officers and motorists. These digital alcohol testing devices, shaped like batons, can detect breath samples remotely, reducing disease transmission risks between officers and test subjects.
