Permissible Limit Of Alcohol

Role of Alcohol in Accident

Alcohol consumption causes impairment that leads to accidents and also increases the effects of accidents. Studies carried out in countries with low income revealed that alcohol content from 33% to 69% of all fatally injured drivers. Apart from this, drivers involved in crashes but not fatally injured had alcohol between 8% and 29%. Higher the level of BAC, greater is the risk of crash. Motor cyclists and drivers with BAC level higher than zero are at a greater risk of crash then those whose level was zero.

At a BAC of 40 mg for 100 ml of blood, the risk of getting involved in an accident rises significantly. Past records show that risk of adults or youngsters with BAC above zero being involved in road accidents is 2.5 times the risk involved with BAC level zero.

A study conducted on drivers killed in road accidents has revealed that at all levels of BAC, teenaged drivers are at 5 times greater risk as compared to drivers older than 30 years. Drivers between 22 and 29 years have approximately 3 times the risk in comparison to drivers above the age of 30 at all levels of BAC.

Alcohol Consumption by Drivers also puts at risk the Lives of Pedestrians and Riders of two Wheelers.

The following actions would be taken if anyone driving or attempting to drive a motorised vehicle under the influence of alcohol, that is, having alcohol level greater than 30 mg per 100 ml of blood when detected by a breath analyzer.

• For the first offence, the offender will be imprisoned for a term extending upto 6 months or will be fined up to Rs. 2,000/- or both.
• For a subsequent offence within 3 years of the previous offence, imprisonment up to 2 years or a fine up to Rs. 3,000/- or both.