Doubling the number of traffic policemen on city roads for keeping drunken driving in check on Holi paid off as the fatal count went down by half compared to last year.
With four persons killed in accidents on Thursday, this year recorded the fewest road accident deaths ever on Holi in the Capital. Eight people had died last Holi, the least ever until then. The worst year was 2006, when 20 persons were killed — a good number of them due to drunken driving.
Of the four fatal accidents this year, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander blamed two skidding motorcycles.
“Greater police presence on road led to strict enforcement of traffic rules this time. Motorists were also afraid of losing their driving licenses because of our new initiative of seizing licenses for serious offences,” Mr. Chander told The Hindu .
Against 200 traffic police teams last year, there were 400 such mobile and static teams this time. Armed with alcometers and video cameras, the traffic personnel went about prosecuting violators and seizing licences mercilessly. As many as 639 motorists lost their right to drive for three months, beginning this Holi.
To incite fear in traffic violators, the police had decided to increase the number of personnel on roads and even roped in the office staff of the traffic unit for the same. Over 2,500 traffic police personnel were out on the roads this Holi.
The traffic police claimed their enhanced presence also led to an overall decrease in traffic violations. With 5,624 motorists being prosecuted this Holi, the number was less than half of last year (11,492). Interestingly, more motorists were caught for drunken driving this time. Against the 1,569 drunk drivers last year, 1,941 persons were booked for the offence this time.
“The increase in the number does not signify there were more violations. The traffic personnel were instructed to go all out against drunk drivers this time. The effort shows in the fewer number of fatal accidents,” said a senior traffic police officer.
Though much lesser than last year, the challaning of violators this time resulted in collection of Rs.5.51 lakh through fines.
