PANJIM: There appear to be few instances of traffic police checking for drunken driving. Many tourists too are seen drinking and driving. Now with only Police Inspectors and Police Sub Inspectors authorized to fine law breakers, Herald Media asked people, “Have the traffic police forgotten about anti- drunken driving campaign? Do you see police checking for drunken driving?”
On Friday, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has made a statement on traffic fines. He has specifically said that fines will be given only by Police Inspectors during the day and Police Sub Inspectors by night. My question is, are there sufficient number of Police Inspectors to keep tabs on the traffic offences? There are numerous traffic offences. Now they are cracking down on those violating the helmets and seat belts rule. They do check for drunken driving here and there. Now they have been given body cams. But if feel there will be shortage of Police Inspectors to crack down on traffic violations.
Mariano Ferrao, Social Activist
If drivers are found above the permissible limit of alcohol, their licence should be cancelled for a year. I am not aware, I may not be able to answer in an affirmative way whether police are monitoring drivers for drunken driving? But from my experience, I have not seen many policemen doing the breath analyser test for drivers. But that’s my observation, but they maybe doing it. But in Calangute and the beach belt, you see such reckless driving, every week you see someone dying. It has become a menace. Yesterday someone has banged a car into 5 other cars.
Armando Gonsalves, Founder, Goa ForGiving
Sometimes it is like a festival, where every 7 or 8 metres they check drivers with alcohol metres. But once the drive is over, they are not to be seen monitor for alcohol. I don’t see a single traffic policemen monitoring for alcohol test. It appears they maybe busy in collecting funds. Or in a lighter vein, do the police want the drivers to drive drunk and die to set an example to others? So do they want those who want to die, to die? Maybe, I don’t know. I don’t find alcohol tests going on in Goa in the manner in which they should be done.
Anthony D'Silva Social Activist