In the first quarter of 2024, Delhi witnessed a surge in cases of drunk driving. From January 1 to March 31, a record-breaking 6,591 violators were booked, marking a sharp rise compared to the previous years figure of 5,384 and a massive jump from 333 in 2022.  Rajouri Garden recorded the highest number of challans at 333, followed by Samaypur Badli with 252 and Mehrauli with 240. The data showed an astronomical surge of 1500 per cent in the drunk driving casesbetween 2022 and 2024 in the national capital, highlighting an alarming trend in the city. According to the latest statistics released by the Delhi Traffic Police, from 399 cases in Delhi in 2022, in the period between January 1 to March 31, the numbers jumped significantly in 2024 with as many as 6591 violators booked for drunk driving by the Delhi traffic police. A 20 percent jump was seen between the cases of prosecution in 2023 with as many as 5,384 violators booked by the police from the cases of driving under the influence of alcohol in 2024 in just a span of three months. Increased enforcement efforts by Delhi Traffic Police can be the reason for the surge in prosecution of drunk driving violations in Delhi as we have been carrying out special drives to curb drunk driving, leading to more checks and prosecutions, the Special CP Traffic Zone 1 HGS Dhaliwal said. These drivers are not just detrimental to their own safety but of other commuters and pedestrians too. A report by the Ministry of Road Transports and Highways revealed that 196 cases of accidents happened due to driving under influence leading to death of 51 people and 336 people being injured in 2022. On analysing further, the police identified 10 areas from where the maximum number of cases of prosecutions in driving under the influence have been reported. This analysis sheds light on areas where traffic violations are most prevalent, allowing for targeted enforcement efforts to improve road safety and compliance with traffic laws, the officials said. Karol Bagh, Rohini, Model Town, Punjabi Bagh, Narela, Kalkaji and Lajpat Nagar are also in the top 10 traffic circles with the highest number of challans issued in 2024. On being asked the reason for these areas reporting such a high number of cases,  Dhaliwal said, There is no specific reason as to why the 10 areas mentioned in the data reporting the highest number of drunk driving cases. However, traffic patterns in these areas may be a general reason. He added that there is no specific reason as such to pinpoint, although factors such as more number of restaurants in an area and major corridors from where heavy traffic passes can be some. In response to this concerning surge in cases, the Delhi Traffic Police have intensified their efforts to crack down on drunken driving. Strict enforcement measures, including increased checking, and breathalyser tests, are being implemented to deter individuals from engaging in this hazardous behaviour, said the traffic police in a press note, stating that the consequences of such irresponsible behaviour can be devastating and irreparable. The Delhi Traffic Police also emphasise the importance of community involvement in combating the menace of drunken driving, encouraging citizens to report any instances of suspected drunken driving to make the roads safer for the general public.

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