The city’s youth is going through a positive metamorphosis. Most youngsters now believe that it’s not ‘cool’ to drink and drive and wholeheartedly support the drunken driving rules.
With the Supreme Court making it clear on Thursday, about a stringent punishment that will be given to drunken drivers, youngsters are celebrating the move.
“I think it’s a great decision. Drunken drivers deserve to be punished. I’ve always told my father not to drink and drive. But after being caught by the cops for drunken driving and shelling out a lot of money, he realised that there is no escape. There is also no respite for those seeking the ‘hidden service’ lanes. My dad today never drives while intoxicated. I’m very happy,” says Bhakthi V, a student.
What came about as a rule initially vetoed by many youngsters, is now looked upon as a success formula in helping save a few precious lives. “Many of my friends who used to drink and drive refrain from doing so now, for the fear of losing their license. People these days are becoming more responsible,” says team leader, Alwin Lawrence.
For a few, experiences scream reality. “I know a friend who crashed his bike after getting drunk. He is paralysed from waist down. None of us have ever been able to get over this terrible incident. It has left a deep scar in all our lives, not to forget the family, which is still reeling from a deep shock,” says Sangeeth C, a student, adding, “None of my friends drink and drive. It’s good to have fun, but it’s just not justified to lose a life by being casual about the issue.”
Seconds this, a karaoke jockey and writer, Martin D’Souza, who is a teetotaler.
“A month ago, while dropping my friends home, we were hit by a cab and my car toppled twice. Luckily, since I was sober, I could take stock of the situation and communicate to get help. That really helped. Though the car was completely damaged, we were safe.
"Being sober will also allow the person driving a car to think faster and take appropriate action. The cops are very strict now and they never accept bribes, which is even better. They are actually saving many lives. It’s time for the youth to respect that and abide by the rules.”
