Over 18,000 drunk drivers prosecuted in Delhi this year

A total of 18,645 drunk drivers have been prosecuted in the national capital till July 15, while 9,941 vehicles have been impounded and 6,235 people arrested, police said Thursday.

Of the 18,645 prosecuted drivers, 11,028 were motorcycle riders, while 5,468 were driving cars.

A total of 2,149 drivers - including from 23 chartered buses and six school buses - were prosecuted on charges of drunk driving.

"Delhi traffic police has been taking intensive prosecution action against drunk driving since the start of the year. The special drive is held daily in the evening hours up to 10.30 p.m.," said Joint Commissioner of Police Anil Shukla.

Shukla said the objective of the drive was to deter drivers from drunk driving and putting the life and safety of other road users in peril.

"Different teams of traffic police personnel are deployed in at least 80 locations with alcometers to identify and prosecute drunk drivers," he said.

The official said Delhi courts are also levying heavy fines and pronouncing imprisonment in drunk driving cases.

"This year, 3,729 drunk drivers have been detained, 47 awarded imprisonment ranging from one to three days, nine awarded prison sentences from four to five days and four ordered to be imprisoned for more than 10 days," Shukla said.

Drunk drivers were also made to report for counselling sessions at the traffic police headquarters at Dev Prakash Shastri Marg.

A total of 16,937 drivers attended counselling sessions till July 23.

"A written pledge is taken from the errant drivers that in future they will not indulge in drunk driving. Vehicles were subsequently released to the rightful owners after the violators attended the sessions," he added.