GUWAHATI, Jan 9 � Barely a week after the Guwahati Traffic Police showed a resolve to tackle drink driving, drivers in inebriated conditions are once again on the road. Some minor accidents have taken place, and more can be expected as visibility drops in the foggiest days of the year.
One of the major reasons for drink driving and related accidents is the sheer inability of the police to clamp down on irresponsible motorists and bike riders, some of which are also underage. Citizens in many parts of Guwahati have complained that drivers violating traffic norms are not penalized by the police, and that has failed to send a clear message to law breakers.
On an average, at least a dozen small and major accidents take place in and around Guwahati, some of whom caused by drink driving. However, the police have not been able to sustain a campaign against the menace.
Among the roads which have seen a spurt in road accidents are RG Baruah Road, GS Road, and GNB Road. A police personnel pointed out that in many cases it was young people on bikes and cars who were involved in the accidents.
For reasons best known to the police, check points have not been erected close to bars and hotels, which enable young people to consume various kinds of alcoholic beverages till late at night. Some of those who emerge from the bars are not adults, but still manage to get on the driver�s seat and undermine public safety.
Doctors at Gauhati Medical College Hospital mention that the number of road accident cases has increased, and a sizeable section of the patients consumed some form of alcoholic beverage. Injuries have also been attributed to road rage, and non-use of safety measures like seat belts and helmets.
