Campaign against drink driving: 'Solution lies in stricter laws'

With motorists failing to pay heed to signboards warning against drink driving, the Mumbai traffic police have pinned hopes on heavier penalties proposed under the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014.

With motorists failing to pay heed to posters and signboards warning against drink driving, the Mumbai traffic police have pinned hopes on heavier penalties proposed under the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014.

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“Many motorists don’t fear the law as they believe they can get away by paying a small fine. Unless heavy penalties are imposed, the situation will be difficult to rectify. Hopefully, the new draft of the Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014, will help change the situation,” said a senior traffic official, requesting anonymity.

Further, with an increase in the number of young offenders, the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) has reinitiated campaigns to deter motorists from driving drunk.

As part of its plan, the WIAA will hold seminars in city colleges to educate students on responsible driving and road safety.

“We will visit colleges and guide students on traffic rules, and promote safe driving. Students can also attend short films on heavy vehicle drivers, as many of them are also found to be driving after consuming liquor,” said Nitin Dossa, executive chairman, WIAA.

The association also plans to put up posters on responsible driving at clubs and bars, hoping to deter patrons from taking the wheel if they are inebriated.