Why SC's highway liquor ban won't stop drunk driving
An order by the honourable Supreme Court putting a ban on sale and serving of liquor within 500m along national and state highways has undoubtedly been passed keeping road safety in mind.
Drunken driving on highways has been one of the reasons behind accidents on roads, and considering easy availability of wine shops and "thekas" along highways across the country, the court has taken steps to check the availability of liquor for drivers.
With no intent to comment on the spirit behind the ban on alcohol, the court's order has resulted in a major debate all over as it is going to affect a large section of society, industry and result in losses as well.
As hotels and restaurants in most metros, cities and along tourist destinations and road networks are close to highways, such a restriction is going to affect those who like to have their drinks while visiting or staying in such places.
It is well known that hotels and restaurants can't be run from lanes or bylanes. Even Harman Sidhu, the petitioner on road safety, is amused with this order implemented in his home city, Chandigarh.
Most Indian commercial drivers who work under poor conditions, have long duty hours, lack rest and relief apart from being separate from families, are drawn into dependency on alcohol and drugs.
A habitual truck or taxi driver, despite the ban, can still carry his brand of booze or pick a bottle from a shop 501m away or via instant delivery system on the roadside.
It is not a question of where he gets his liquor supply from and whether he drives in drunken conditions endangering the life of others. The requirement is primarily to keep a strict surveillance and check on the likely highways joints and places where drinking is facilitated, have breath-analyser checking done at random, immediate impounding of driving licence of defaulters and also heavy penalty on the employer or agency.
There is also a need for awareness and responsibility on the part of passengers travelling in buses or taxis to report violations by drivers. Conductors, helpers and other occupants of vehicle assigned with responsibility must be made to take appropriate steps and not allow an errant driver to be on the driving seat.
Hope our lawmakers will have no problem with people travelling in a bus or car or taxi and not required to drive, enjoying a chilled beer from midway point.
True, road safety is an important concern for everyone; it should come with collective awareness and responsibility from the public, police, lawmakers and most importantly, the driving community. Driving after consuming liquor or drugs or with insufficient rest must be tackled sternly.