HYDERABAD: Breathalyser tests to detect drunk driving are set to continue in the city, despite increasing demand for stopping the checks amid the fear of Covid-19. After an MLA broached the topic in the assembly on Wednesday, traffic police turned down the demand saying the tests are conducted in a very hygienic way. Previously, an NGO working for road safety had written a letter to the traffic police demanding that the tests be stopped.
Since mid-January, the coronavirus argument has been used time and again by motorists to evade the tests. The issue was discussed internally by the traffic police earlier this week and cops decided against doing away with the tests. “Our system of checking with breathalysers is very safe and hygienic. We use a disposable straw for each person, which has been the practice since a long time. Besides preventing the spread of coronavirus, it is essential for preventing other communicable diseases too,” said Anil Kumar, additional commissioner of police (traffic), Hyderabad adding that the checks cannot be done away due to traffic accidents caused by drunk driving. “Preventing traffic accidents is a priority. Also, the situation isn’t so alarming right now. The single-use disposable straw is safe for use,” he added.
In February, Vaada Foundation had shot off a letter to the traffic police demanding that the tests be stopped. “Breathanalysers are highly unhygienic and can contribute to the spread of the virus,” P Suresh Raju, founder, Vaada foundation had said.
Since mid-January, the coronavirus argument has been used time and again by motorists to evade the tests. The issue was discussed internally by the traffic police earlier this week and cops decided against doing away with the tests. “Our system of checking with breathalysers is very safe and hygienic. We use a disposable straw for each person, which has been the practice since a long time. Besides preventing the spread of coronavirus, it is essential for preventing other communicable diseases too,” said Anil Kumar, additional commissioner of police (traffic), Hyderabad adding that the checks cannot be done away due to traffic accidents caused by drunk driving. “Preventing traffic accidents is a priority. Also, the situation isn’t so alarming right now. The single-use disposable straw is safe for use,” he added.
In February, Vaada Foundation had shot off a letter to the traffic police demanding that the tests be stopped. “Breathanalysers are highly unhygienic and can contribute to the spread of the virus,” P Suresh Raju, founder, Vaada foundation had said.
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