The police have launched a special drive to curb drunk driving in Kozhikode city following a spike in complaints against private bus drivers. Officers from the Motor Vehicles department (MVD), Excise, and the Traffic will take part in the combined inspections ahead of the New Year celebrations.
Traffic police officers supervising the drive said the misuse of banned tobacco products while driving would also be dealt with seriously. Instant legal action, including the suspension of driving licences, would be initiated in case of grave offences, they added.
SoToxa machines were also made available to the enforcement wings for conducting rapid screening of suspected drivers. Officials said each test using the handheld devices would cost around ₹1,200, but the drive would continue to track drunk drivers.
“The special drive has already exposed a drunk private bus driver from Naduvannur. Ten other drivers caught using tobacco products while on duty were also nabbed two days ago,” said a police officer with the special checking squad. He added that bus passengers would be encouraged to alert the police promptly if they noticed any suspicious behaviour on the part of drivers.
MVD sources said a night patrol squad would also remain alert to screen drivers on inter-State journeys. Attempts to store or smuggle drugs in inter-State buses and tourist vehicles would be dealt with seriously as part of the heightened road safety measures, they added.
