Thiruvananthapuram:
The Keralam government is considering a special law to impose stringent penalties on motorists who cause fatal accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, State Transport Minister C P John informed the Assembly on Tuesday.
Replying to a submission by C V Santhakumar, the Minister said the government was consulting legal experts on the proposed legislation. Such cases would not be treated merely as offences arising from negligence, he said, adding that the government was committed to strict action, including imprisonment and confiscation of vehicles.
The proposal follows a recent accident near Nedumbassery, close to Kochi, in which three youngsters — two women and a man, all around 21 years old — were killed when an allegedly overspeeding Mini Cooper, reportedly driven by a 19-year-old under the influence of alcohol, rammed into their scooter.
John also announced plans to establish a Road Safety Mission, with the Chief Minister as chairman and the Transport Minister as co-chairman, to significantly reduce road accidents across the State.
A governing council comprising ministers in charge of Home, General Education, Higher Education, Health, Social Justice, Youth Affairs, Local Self-Government, Public Works, Labour and Revenue would be constituted. A mission directorate would function under the council to implement road safety initiatives.
The Minister said around 4,000 people died in road accidents in the State every year. While it might not be possible to eliminate all accidents, the proposed mission would work towards substantially reducing fatalities.
He added that extensive road safety meetings were being held ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
Referring to a study by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC), conducted in accordance with Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways guidelines, John said several accident-prone locations had been identified.
The government was particularly concerned about accidents along the MC Road stretch between Adoor Enathu and Pandalam. The study identified hazardous curves, missing pedestrian footpaths, inadequate road markings on stretches prone to speeding, insufficient signage at overtaking junctions and risks posed by heavy vehicles parked near curves.
The Minister said urgent corrective measures would be taken, with road improvement works prioritised according to accident risks and funded through the Road Safety Fund.