Odisha reports over 22,600 drunk driving arrests

Bhubaneswar: More than 22,000 people were caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Odisha over the last three years, according to transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena. From 2020 to 2023, 22,672 individuals were apprehended. Additionally, 2,197 accidents during this period were attributed to drunk driving. Jena made these comments while responding to a question in the assembly. He noted that 11,377 vehicles were seized in connection with drink driving offenses. The law forbids motorists from having a blood alcohol content exceeding 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019, first-time offenders face a fine of Rs 10,000 or up to six months in jail. For repeat offenses, fines increase to Rs 15,000, with possible imprisonment of up to two years. A senior police official warned that causing a fatal accident while drunk could lead to serious charges. Odisha police are planning to use new technology for breath tests. They will replace the current method, which involves straws, with a contactless baton breathalyser. This change aims to make the testing process easier and reduce health risks for both police officers and drivers.