Drunken Driving is mixing alcohol with driving.It is a real threat to road users of all category and third part property damage also.It incurs loss of life,serious injuries simple injuries and property damages.The loss in terms of currency is very high under this head when we tabulate the statistics.
Legal limit of Blood Alcohol Concentration ( BAC)
The B A C limit in India is 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml alcohol.
The BAC level depends upon the weight ,sex and metabolism of the person who consume it.The time gap is also important factor.It decreases in each 45 minutes of break.
Relation ship with Road Accidents
Drunk driving and road accidents are directly related to each other.
The concept of drunken driving is falling under the head of human error.Its of course a human error but the error developed due to the presence of alcohol in blood.
Recent Study in America shows that 43 % of individuals participated in the survey states that they never mix alcohol with steering.The remaining 57 % do it.The survey further shows that 25.4% believe that one or two pegs will affect the driving performance.At the same time 9.4%believe that they can consume 5/6 pegs at the maximum and keep the vehicle safe.
Symptoms drunken driving
- Absence of Co Ordination between Eye ,Hands and Legs while driving
- Increased or Poor Reaction Time
- Vision and Movement impairment
- Delayed Decision Making
- Loss of Concentration
When anlaysing cause of accident , all the mentioned features are connected to human errors also.
This create difficulties to the authorities to get the real cause of accident.
When the investigation was under process after passing of critical hours BAC level may be so low and it is difficult to trace out the influence of drinks in the mishap.
Booking Drunken Driving
Drunken Driving is an offense in India if BAC is above 30 mg at the time of test .
The Punishment will be Disqualification of Driving License or Imprisonment.
The BAC can be measured either by using devices like Breath Analyzer or by conducting laboratory test.
The inspecting officer may arrest the accused if found drunk.The accused will be produce before the court of judicature as per procedure.
Breath Analyzer Tests
A police officer or officer of MVD may require any person driving or attemping to Drive a motor vehicle at a public place to provide for one or more specimen of breath for breath test,if the officer has reason to believe that the person who drives or attempt to drive has a BAC level more than 30 mg per 100 ml or suspected to be drunk.The breath test may be conducted by using a breath analyzer.
Laboratory Test
The police officer may require the drunken person to provide specimen of blood for laboratory test in addition to the breath test and if the suspected person refuses to give specimen for breath .
If it appears from the breath test carried out on the person,using breath analyzer ,presence of blood alcohol above the 30 mg the officer MAY arrest that person without warrant.
If the BAC level is above 30 mg the accused may be punished with imprisonment up to 6 months or with fine Rs 10000 or with both for the first offense and for subsequent offense imprisonment may extend to 2 years or fine Rs 15000/- or both.
In addition to these punishment the Licensing Authority may Suspend or Disqualify the holder from holding driving license for a period fixed by the Licensing Authority .
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