MARGAO: With a surge in fatal accidents, particularly attributed to drunken driving, the Traffic Cell in Colva has booked 63 individuals for drunken driving until February 20 this year.
PI Filomena Costa of the Colva Traffic Cell said they use breathalysers to conduct alcohol concentration tests, aiding in swift determination of individuals’ intoxication levels during traffic stops. In an effort to curb instances of drunken driving, the police department provided Salcete with 10 new alcometers, for better monitoring of road safety.
As of February 20, the Colva traffic cell recorded 63 cases of drunk driving, three cases of driving without a licence, 156 instances of driving two-wheelers without helmets, and 193 cases of tinted glass violations.
Despite the commendable efforts, the Margao and Colva traffic cells, responsible for policing Salcete villages, faced challenges due to the inadequacy of alcometers. Officials said that the Traffic Cell was recently given two new alcometers, taking the number to three.
Expressing confidence in the upgraded resources, traffic cell officers anticipate a significant increase in the identification and prosecution of drivers violating drunken driving regulations.
Costa, highlighted that the Colva traffic cell had also taken action against offences such as driving without a helmet, using vehicles with tinted glass, and driving without a licence, resulting in the collection of fines totaling Rs 10,83,500 by February 20.

