In a stringent display of enforcement, the Visakhapatnam City Police conducted a massive drive against drunk driving on New Year's Eve, successfully booking hundreds of offenders and ensuring safer roads. The police action, which was promised in the lead-up to the celebrations, resulted in a significant increase in cases compared to the previous year, with no fatal accidents reported within the city limits on the night of December 31.
Strict Enforcement Across the City
The police department deployed more than 50 special teams across various neighbourhoods of Vizag to curb the menace of drunk driving and illegal bike racing. Their vigilance paid off as they registered a total of 257 cases for driving under the influence of alcohol between the night of December 31 and the early morning of January 1. This figure marks an increase of approximately 45 cases from the previous year's count, indicating both stricter checks and perhaps greater revelry.
Officials were firm in their approach, seizing vehicles, including four-wheelers, on the spot. Those caught face severe consequences, including fines that can go up to Rs 10,000 and the possibility of imprisonment. This strict stance had a noticeable impact on public behaviour.
Impact on Revelry and Regional Data
Fearing legal repercussions and jail time, many young party-goers who had consumed alcohol made the smarter choice of opting for cab services to return home. Cab drivers reported a substantial boost in business, with bookings flooding in from 11 PM on New Year's Eve until 4 AM the next morning. This shift contributed to the absence of major fatal accidents in the city during the peak celebration hours.
Beyond drunk driving, the police were active on other fronts. They seized 49 vehicles for rash and negligent driving and booked over 500 additional cases for various other traffic violations, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of road safety.
Neighbouring Districts See Mixed Results
The enforcement drive extended beyond Vizag city. In Vizianagaram district, police booked 17 cases for drunken driving, 9 for creating nuisance, 11 for open drinking, and 87 for other traffic violations. Tragically, one fatal accident was reported in the Vepada mandal area, where a 40-year-old two-wheeler rider died after his bike skidded.
In Anakapalle district, authorities registered 15 drunk driving cases. The district reported two road accidents, one of which resulted in a fatality.
The combination of winter weather and New Year festivities led to a surge in liquor sales across North Andhra Pradesh on December 31 and January 1, significantly boosting state revenue. The robust police action served as a crucial countermeasure to the potential dangers posed by this increased consumption, demonstrating a commitment to saving lives through deterrence and enforcement.
