Alert! No Breathalyzers, But Blood Tests: Mumbai Police's Strict Measures Against Drunk Drivers On New Year's Eve

Earlier, traffic police would ask motorists and bikers to blow into breathalyzers to check whether they are drunk, but Mumbai cops have now decided to conduct blood test.

Representational Picture (AFP)

Mumbai December 31 guidelines: In the wake of Coronavirus pandemic and the growing fears around the new mutant variant, the Mumbai Police have decided to conduct blood test instead of the breath analyzer test for those they suspect to be driving after drinking alcohol on the New year's Eve. Earlier, traffic police would ask motorists and bikers to blow into breathalyzers, check the reading and charge them if they have consumed alcohol above permissible limits. Drunk person sitting next to drunk driver will also be booked However, due to concerns of Covid-19 infection, the cops in the city will rather round up drunk driving suspects, take them to the nearest police station and then send them to a public hospital for blood-alcohol tests. The driver will be immediately arrested if his/her blood test confirms the presence of alcohol. According to reports, if the person sitting next to the driver is also drunk, then all the people in the vehicle will be booked under section 188 of the IPC. 3,000 traffic cops to keep close watch on Mumbai roads Moreover, this time around 3,000 traffic policemen will be on the roads, who will keep a close watch and take action against those who violate traffic rules and those who drive in inebriated state. A similar drive will also be seen in adjoining Thane district. Night curfew has been imposed in Mumbai from 11 pm to 6 am and will remain in force till January 5.  All shops, barring essential services like medical stores, will have to close shutters by 11 pm. Police has allowed people to come out and celebrate but festivities on December 31, 2020 but it has to wind up by 11pm or will invite strict action. The deadline applies to eateries, pubs, restaurants and other recreational establishments. According to the media reports, the Mumbai cops last year on December 31 registered as many as 677 cases of drunk driving, after which the traffic police had written a letter to the RTO and suspended the licenses of all the drivers for six months.