Goa books over 1,500 drunk driving cases in six months despite tough penalties

Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji Panaji, Jul 17: Drunk driving continues to pose a serious road safety challenge in Goa, with the state traffic police registering 1,525 cases of motorists driving under the influence of alcohol during the first six months of 2026, averaging nearly nine violations every day. According to police data, more than 400 cases were detected during special enforcement drives conducted across the state. During the same period, traffic authorities also booked over 1,500 motorists for using mobile phones while driving, another major contributor to road accidents. A senior police official said the primary causes of road crashes in Goa include drunk driving, mobile phone use behind the wheel, distracted driving, jumping traffic signals and reckless or aggressive driving. Officials reminded motorists that driving under the influence of alcohol is a punishable offence under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. A driver found with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 30 mg per 100 ml of blood, or under the influence of drugs to the extent of being unable to safely control a vehicle, can face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of Rs 10,000, or both for a first offence. For repeat offenders, the law provides for stricter punishment, including imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of Rs 15,000, or both. Police emphasised that even small amounts of alcohol can impair a person's ability to drive safely by affecting concentration, judgement and reaction time. "Alcohol significantly slows a driver's response to road conditions and hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents and endangering both the driver and other road users," a police officer said, urging motorists to avoid drinking before getting behind the wheel. Traffic police said enforcement against drunken driving and other dangerous traffic violations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety across the state.