Licences of drunk drivers to be revoked

Maharashtra government is planning to cancel the licences of drivers who drink and drive. Alarmed by the rising number of road accidents due to drunk driving, the Home Department and Regional Traffic Office (RTO) have decided to take this strict action. There were 57,000 cases of drunk driving during the last three years, of which 867 were on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Human error has been found to be the cause of 75% of road accidents. Of the 12,000 road accident deaths during this period, 50% have been due to rash and drunk driving by youth between 15 and 35 years. A three-fold increase in the fine for drunk driving has failed to deter drivers who hit the road after consuming alcohol. Hence, the decision to take this step.