Friday, 15 NOVEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Following two major road accidents in Dehradun this week which killed seven persons and injured at least five, and the bus mishap in Almora which resulted in 36 deaths earlier this month, the officiating director general of police Abhinav Kumar has issued strict instructions for effective action to put a check on road accidents in the State. Considering the recent road accidents, Kumar directed the Traffic director, the in-charges of both the ranges and all senior/superintendents of police to take effective measures to prevent accidents in the State.
The Almora bus mishap was caused due to factors including overloading while the accident which resulted in six deaths in Dehradun caused by overspeeding. According to data, the major reasons for road accidents have been ascertained to be drunken driving, overloading in both goods carriers and passenger vehicles, jumping red light, underage drivers, competing with other vehicles and using the mobile phone while driving or riding.
The DGP has directed that the licenses of bars and pubs open late at night should be checked and necessary action should be taken. Action should be taken against those drinking, serving alcohol and creating nuisance in public places. Adequate number of CCTV cameras should be installed and their regular maintenance should also be ensured. The feed from the CCTV cameras should be regularly monitored at the police control room while adequate number of signboards should also be installed along the roads. Further, there should be signboards and proper monitoring at identified hotspots. Kumar also directed the police to coordinate with other departments concerned to take necessary measures for preventing road accidents.
As part of measures to deter irresponsible behaviour on the road, the DGP has directed that an adequate number of alcometers should be provided at police checkposts and barriers to check those indulging in drunk driving. In case of drunk driving, the vehicle should be seized and action should be taken under section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. Speedometer or radar guns should be used to check overspeeding and those found guilty should face legal action. Further, action should also be taken in case of overloading of passenger vehicles and overloading of goods vehicles or such vehicles carrying passengers. In case of an underage driver, action should be take against the vehicle owner of guardian of the juvenile. Similarly, legal action will be taken against those found indulging in risky driving, jumping the red light or using the mobile phone while driving. Action will also be taken against those found racing without permission in public places.
Kumar further directed that in case of road accidents, action should be taken under section 281 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) while in case of reckless driving, action will be taken under section 125 of BNS. Action will be taken under section 106(1) of the BNS in case of loss of life or injury in an accident.
Further, license holders of bars, pubs and hotels serving alcohol have been directed to prevent a person from driving if intoxicated while leaving their premises, inform their family members and hand them over to them. If they are unable to contact the family members, they should dial 112 and contact the police to facilitate their safe return to their destination. If the instructions are not followed and if there is an accident, legal action will be taken against the liquor bar license holder.
