16 motorists were jailed for drunk driving daily last year

New Delhi: The Delhi traffic police data has revealed that during the last year at least 16 motorists were served varying prison terms daily for driving drunk in the city. The police also imposed chalans on 2,05,470 people for dangerous driving, 92,637 for violation of traffic signals, 8,88,913 for driving without helmets and 86,620 for over speeding.

“We have issued 28,006 chalans against drunken drivers last year. Among them 5,890 were sent to prison. Anyone who has consumed more than 30 mg alcohol is penalised for drunken driving. Though all offenders are liable to be imprisoned, only those with a count of over100 mg are actually sent to prison,” said a traffic police official.

On violating the traffic rules for the second time, imprisonment for two years or a fine of Rs 3,000 or both can be imposed,” said the official.

Chalans were issued for various traffic violations – 31,024 challans were issued against drivers who were not carrying valid driving licenses, 62,984 for violations of restricts and 1,02,352 for triple riding, said a Delhi traffic police official.

On January 24, a couple had a close shave after a BMW rammed into their bike and then a WagonR in the Rajori Garden area of west Delhi. While the couple escaped with injuries, the crash left their bike a mangled heap. The driver was heading home after attending a wedding. Eyewitnesses said that the man was drunk and could barely stand.