Lowest road deaths on Holi in seven years

This Holi saw the lowest number of road deaths in seven years. According to Delhi Traffic Police sources, the day saw eight fatal accidents in which eight people lost their lives. Last year, the number of deaths was 13.

This Holi saw the lowest number of road deaths in seven years. According to Delhi Traffic Police sources, the day saw eight fatal accidents in which eight people lost their lives. Last year, the number of deaths was 13.

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“On an average, 13 people lost their lives in accidents on Holi in the past six years,” said a traffic police officer.

Five of Wednesday’s fatalities were of self-driven bikers. In two other accidents, a motorcyclist and a pedestrian were mowed down by speeding cars. The eighth accident happened when a person fell from a tractor trolley.

The day of Holi also saw a special drive against drunk driving. The traffic police booked 1,278 drunk drivers on Wednesday.

Nearly 200 teams of traffic police officials were stationed with alcometers. Most of these teams were deployed at major intersections across the Capital to detect and prosecute violations.

Delhi Traffic Police, PCR personnel and local staff of the respective police stations took part in the drive. Staff from the Research and Development (R&D) wing of the traffic police were also involved, said Anil Shukla, Additional CP (traffic).

“All 610 motorcycles of the chase-and-challan Squad were asked to prosecute drunk drivers,” he said.

Last year, nearly 800 people were challaned for driving under the influence of alcohol on Holi.

The special drive, police claimed, had its effect as the number of fatal accidents came down to 13 last year.