The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) have introduced a new method to tackle issues that may arise when booking motorists for drunk driving with faulty machines. The decision to implement this new approach follows a widely circulated video of an argument between a policeman and a driver who protested that the breathalyzer had inaccurately recorded him as being intoxicated.
The Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Mr. Kapilkumar C. Saratkar, addressed the media to explain the changes in the protocol. To check if a breathalyzer machine is malfunctioning, the police on duty will verify it with three sober personnel. Additionally, when a driver contests the results of a breathalyzer test, personnel are now instructed to conduct two further tests within a stipulated time period to ensure precise readings. If a motorist refuses to comply with the checking and wishes to take a medical test to establish their innocence, the police will accompany them to the nearest hospital for a blood test.
According to Mr. Saratkar, the GCTP possesses 383 calibrated breathalyzer machines that undergo servicing every six months. On average, around 10,000 people are tested for drunk driving daily, and the police book approximately 150 cases of drunk driving each day. In addition, the police have intensified their checks, resulting in a marked decrease in fatal accidents, a development that has been warmly welcomed by the public.
The GCTP’s new approach is expected to address issues of faulty machines and disputes surrounding the test results. The police can provide more precise readings by ensuring that the machines are verified by multiple personnel and by conducting additional tests when necessary, thereby promoting safety on the roads. Overall, this move underscores the GCTP’s commitment to ensuring that the law is upheld while protecting the rights of motorists.
