Bengaluru traffic police recently conducted a citywide crackdown on drunk driving. The week-long special drive, held from October 21 to October 27, resulted in 314 cases being registered against individuals driving under the influence of alcohol. As part of the initiative, traffic police checked a total of 25,383 vehicles across multiple locations in the city.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M N Anucheth explained that the objective of the drive was to tackle the dangers posed by drunk driving and foster a safer environment on Bengaluru’s roads. “The special drive was aimed to curb the menace of drunken driving and ensure road safety in Bengaluru city,” he said, underlining that the Traffic Police Department is committed to upholding traffic regulations and will continue conducting such drives.
The crackdown was extensive, with police stationed at strategic checkpoints to cover high-traffic areas as well as neighborhoods known for nightlife and entertainment. In addition to alcohol testing, officers were instructed to observe driver behavior for erratic driving and conduct vehicle checks to ensure roadworthiness. Those caught over the legal alcohol limit had their driving licenses suspended or confiscated, and penalties were imposed as per Bengaluru’s stringent traffic rules.
The campaign was part of a larger initiative by the Bengaluru Traffic Police to reduce the number of road accidents, many of which are attributed to impaired driving. Traffic authorities have recorded an uptick in incidents, especially during weekends and public holidays, when individuals are more likely to engage in social drinking.
“Drivers need to realize that even a small amount of alcohol impairs their reaction times, and we hope that stricter enforcement will discourage people from risking their lives and the lives of others on the road,” Anucheth added. The department is also coordinating with public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the hazards of driving under the influence, reminding them of the severe legal consequences and safety risks.
Beyond just penalties, Bengaluru Traffic Police are planning to deploy more breathalyzer units and increase patrols at night, especially in high-risk zones. The initiative highlights a renewed push towards improving traffic discipline in Bengaluru, a city that has recently seen increased vehicle congestion and a rise in road accidents.
According to officials, more drives of this nature are planned for the coming months as Bengaluru prepares for the holiday season, traditionally a time of increased traffic and heightened road safety risks.