By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 15 Nov: Director General of Police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar has issued strict instructions regarding effective legal action to control road accidents. DGP Kumar has directed the Director of Traffic, all range in-charges, and all SSPs/SPs to take necessary actions in view of the recent spate of road accidents.
It is worth noting that serious accidents have recently occurred in Almora due to the overloading of passengers in a bus and in Dehradun due to a speeding Innova car, both of which resulted in a heavy loss of life. The major causes of road accidents behind the accidents include driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading or riding in goods vehicles, jumping red lights, driving by minors, racing with other vehicles, or using mobile phones while driving.
The DGP has issued a series of instructions to prevent road accidents across the state. These include measures for preventive action, strict legal measures in case of accidents, and directives to pub and bar owners concerning intoxicated individuals.
Under preventive measures, the DGP has directed that the licences of bars and pubs operating late at night should be checked, and legal action taken accordingly. He has also directed that Police action be taken against public nuisance and individuals consuming or serving alcohol in public places. Additionally, an adequate number of CCTV cameras should be installed, and their regular maintenance ensured. He also directed that CCTV footage be monitored regularly from the police control room. Sufficient signboards should be installed along roads, particularly at accident hotspots, and proper monitoring ensured in coordination with other departments.
Regarding strict legal action, DGP Kumar has directed that traffic police at check posts and barriers be equipped with functional alcometers to detect drunk drivers. If a driver is found under the influence, action be taken under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (1988, amended 2019), and the vehicle seized. Kumar instructed that drivers caught speeding must face penalties under Sections 112 and 183 with the use of speedometers or radar guns. If a passenger vehicle is found carrying more passengers as compared to the prescribed capacity, then legal action should be taken under Section 194(1). Similarly, if a goods vehicle is found to be overloaded, action will be taken under Section 194. In cases where a minor is found to be driving a vehicle, action be taken against the guardian or vehicle owner under Section 199A. If a driver is caught for dangerous driving, using a mobile phone while driving, or jumping a red light, action should be taken under Section 184.
Additionally, the DGP has issued directions to take action under Section 281 BNS for unauthorised driving on public roads and Section 125 BNS for negligent driving. If an accident results in loss of life, action will be taken under Section 106 (1) BNS.
The DGP has also issued specific instructions for bar and pub operators. Licence holders, hotels, pubs, and restaurant managers have been directed to prevent intoxicated individuals from driving when they leave the premises. They have been directed to contact the individual’s family and hand them over. If the family cannot be reached, the bar licence holder must notify local police by dialling 112 and make arrangements for the person’s safe transportation in a police vehicle. Kumar made it clear that in case an accident occurs due to non-compliance with these instructions, legal action will be taken against the licence holder or manager in accordance with the rules. Furthermore, if negligence is found in the handling of an accident, departmental action will be initiated against the police station in charge. All district police in-charges have been instructed to inform bar licence holders, hotel, pub, and restaurant managers about these new measures.
