States » SouthPosted at: Oct 13 2026 6:50PM


Kerala plans stringent law against fatal accidents caused by drunk, drugged driving

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 13 (UNI) The Kerala Government is considering a special law to ensure stringent punishment for those who cause fatal road accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Transport Minister C.P. John told the State Assembly on Tuesday.
The government is consulting legal experts on the proposed legislation, which would seek to deal firmly with such offences, including through vehicle confiscation and imprisonment, he said in reply to a submission raised by C.V. Shanthakumar.
The minister said accidents resulting in deaths due to intoxicated driving would not be treated as ordinary cases of negligence. The government was committed to taking stringent action against those who drive under the influence of intoxicating substances and cause loss of life, he added.
John also announced plans to establish a Road Safety Mission to bring down the number of accidents and fatalities in the state. The Chief Minister would head the mission, with the Transport Minister serving as co-chairman.
A governing council comprising ministers handling the Home, General Education, Higher Education, Health, Social Justice, Youth Welfare, Local Self-Government, Public Works, Labour and Revenue portfolios would be constituted shortly. A mission directorate would be set up under the council to implement various road safety programmes, he said.
Nearly 4,000 people die in road accidents in Kerala annually, the minister said, adding that although the government could not promise to eliminate all accidents, the proposed mission was expected to reduce their number substantially.
With the Sabarimala pilgrimage season approaching, the government was convening extensive meetings to strengthen road safety arrangements, he said.
A study conducted by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC), in accordance with the guidelines of the union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, had identified black spots on various roads in the state.
The government was taking seriously the increasing number of accidents on the MC Road stretch between Enathu in Adoor and Pandalam, John said.
The study had identified several factors contributing to accident risks along the stretch, including dangerous curves, the absence of pedestrian footpaths, inadequate road markings at locations prone to speeding, insufficient warning signs at overtaking junctions and the risks created by heavy vehicles parked near curves.
The minister said immediate steps would be taken to address these safety concerns. The MC Road and other accident-prone stretches would be scientifically upgraded using the Road Safety Fund, with works prioritised according to the severity of the risks involved, he added.
UNI DS
Tags: #Kerala plans stringent law against fatal accidents caused by drunk# drugged driving
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