Over 25,500 drunk driving cases booked in Keralam since October 13; police to seek licence cancellation for repeat offenders

(File photo used for representational purpose only.)

The Kerala Police will recommend suspension of driving licences of motorists booked for a first offence and cancellation of licences of repeat violators as part of its intensified crackdown on drunk and reckless driving launched in the wake of the Nedumbassery accident that killed three youths.

The police have registered 25,594 drunk driving cases across Keralam since October 13.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) P. Vijayan, who is spearheading the operation, said the police will forward recommendations to the Motor Vehicles Department for appropriate action against those booked during the special drive.

While motorists booked for a first offence would generally face licence suspension, repeat violators would face enhanced punishment, including cancellation of their licences.

Ernakulam Rural accounted for the highest number of cases during the 29-day drive, with 3,166, followed by Kottayam with 2,304 and Thiruvananthapuram Rural with 1,852. Alappuzha registered 1,715 cases, while Kollam City accounted for 1,653.

Ernakulam City recorded 1,579 cases, followed by Palakkad with 1,545 and Thiruvananthapuram City with 1,363. Pathanamthitta registered 1,294 cases, while Thrissur City and Thrissur Rural accounted for 1,090 and 1,055 respectively. Kollam Rural recorded 1,034 cases and Malappuram 953.

Among the northern districts, Kannur City registered 667 cases, Wayanad 628, Kozhikode City 619 and Kozhikode Rural 614. Kannur Rural and Kasaragod recorded 479 and 366 cases respectively.

On November 10, Ernakulam Rural again topped the list with 93 cases, followed by Kottayam with 65 and Thiruvananthapuram Rural with 58.

Mr. Vijayan said the police would pursue even stricter action in cases where drunk driving resulted in accidents. Even if it was a first offence, the police would seek cancellation of the driving licence in such cases. The enhanced punishment would be in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, he said.

Cases involving grievous injuries could attract non-bailable provisions and imprisonment, while causing death through negligent or rash driving could lead to imprisonment of up to 10 years, the ADGP said.

The campaign has recorded a slight decline in traffic violations. However, the assessment is unlikely to ease enforcement measures. On the contrary, the crackdown is being intensified, the senior officer pointed out.

The police have extended the crackdown to rural areas to prevent motorists from evading surveillance. Enforcement had earlier been concentrated largely in cities, particularly their central areas. The police were now maintaining an equal focus on rural jurisdictions, as errant motorists tended to take alternative routes and shortcuts to avoid surveillance.

Mr. Vijayan added that there is was no predetermined time-frame for the drive since the objective was to bring down road accidents and address incidents of road rage. The enforcement campaign was also targeting reckless driving, reckless parking and juvenile driving.

Such violations caused immense inconvenience to other road users, including those who strictly adhered to traffic regulations. Several cases of juvenile driving have also been reported from various parts, particularly Malappuram.

The ultimate objective was to create a deterrent against traffic violations and ensure greater road safety across the State, he added.