Roadha
Basic Must-Knows (Awareness & Obedience)

6. Don’t Drink and Drive

Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most dangerous and irresponsible things you can do on the road. It impairs your judgment, slows your reaction time, and puts lives at risk, including your own.

In India, drunk driving is a major contributor to fatal road accidents.


What Alcohol Does to Your Driving Ability

Even small amounts of alcohol can:

  • Blur your vision and reduce coordination
  • Slow down your reflexes and decision-making
  • Make you overconfident and reckless
  • Impair your ability to judge speed, distance, and traffic signals

You may feel “fine,” but your brain isn’t functioning at full capacity.


  • The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in India is 0.03% (30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood).
  • This is roughly equal to one small drink — but varies by body weight and metabolism.
  • If caught driving under the influence:
    • Fine up to ₹10,000
    • Up to 6 months imprisonment (first offense)
    • License suspension or cancellation
    • Repeat offenses can lead to harsher penalties

Police use breath analyzers and conduct random checks, especially during festivals and weekends.


Real-Life Examples

Bus Fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

‘Drunk drivers are terrorists,’ says Hyderabad Police Chief after Andhra bus tragedy

Hyderabad Police Chief's remarks came after a Hyderabad-Bengaluru private sleeper bus collided with a motorcycle that had earlier been involved in another accident.

The crash killed the motorcyclist, Shiva Shankar, and 19 passengers aboard the bus. The Commissioner stated that the biker was intoxicated at the time and had caused the collision.

Source: https://zeenews.india.com/india/drunk-drivers-are-terrorists-says-hyderabad-police-chief-after-andhra-bus-tragedy-2976508.html

One night of mistake led to a tragedy.

Infamous Gujarat VW Virtus Accident

Learn more: Vadodara car crash: Accused was driving at 140 kmph under influence of drugs, police tell court

Aftermath


Common Excuses and Why They’re Dangerous

ExcuseReality
"I’ve only had one drink."Even one drink can impair judgment and reaction time.
"I drive better when I’m relaxed."Alcohol doesn’t relax, it dulls your senses.
"There’s no police around."Accidents don’t wait for enforcement.

What You Should Do

  • Never drive after drinking, even a little.
  • Use a cab, auto, or ride-sharing app.
  • Designate a sober driver before going out.
  • If you see someone trying to drive drunk, stop them (be very cautious)
  • Encourage friends and family to make safe choices.

Key Takeaways

  • Alcohol and driving don’t go hand-in-hand.
  • Drunk driving is illegal, dangerous, and often fatal.
  • One bad decision can destroy lives.

Real life scenarios

DO NOT throw any object on the road

Other than drink and drive, DO NOT throw any object on the road.

It is dangerous for other road users.

Classic example of failed judiciary


Before you start your vehicle, ask yourself:

Am I sober and safe to drive?

If the answer is no, DO NOT drive.