Team Herald
MARGAO: In response to a surge in fatal accidents, largely attributed to drink-driving, the Margao Traffic Cell has intensified its enforcement efforts over the past month and a half, booking 96 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol.
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Police Inspector (PI) Sanjay Dalvi of the Margao Traffic Cell stated that 50 people were booked in January, with an additional 46 cases recorded until 15 February. All cases have been forwarded to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) with recommendations for driving licence suspensions.
The crackdown extends beyond drunk driving and includes various violations under the Motor Vehicles Act. Notably, overspeeding accounted for a significant portion of offences, with 68 cases booked in January, resulting in Rs 67,000 in fines. In February (up to the 15th), 321 cases were registered, collecting Rs 3,24,000 in penalties.
Mobile phone usage while driving also witnessed a steep rise, with 12 cases and Rs 2,000 in fines recorded in January, compared to 99 cases and Rs 98,500 in fines in February. Helmet violations surged from 84 cases in January with Rs 90,500 collected in fines to 495 cases in February with Rs 5,03,000 collected in penalties.
