On February 21, 2020, the State Automobile Inspectorate will conduct a set of measures to prevent road traffic accidents involving drunk drivers and pedestrians.

In January of the current year, compared to the same period in 2019, the Vitebsk region has registered an increase in the number of road traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers.

In January of the current year, compared to the same period in 2019, the Vitebsk region has registered an increase in the number of road traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers. The problem of driving vehicles by persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains relevant.

The blood alcohol content of drunk drivers varies widely. Behind the wheel are those who drive in the morning after a night party, and those who, at the moment of meeting an inspector, cannot even sign the report. However, many have similar excuses: they need to repack the car, get home or to the shop. Some admit that they got behind the wheel in such a state due to a conflict at home. Drivers under the influence of drugs are also caught on the road. Moreover, accidents caused by drivers under the influence are characterized by a high degree of severity of consequences, and also cause significant public outcry.

The traffic police reminds: driving a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or transferring the right to drive to a person in such a state, as well as refusing to undergo examination, is punishable by deprivation of the right to drive for three years and a fine of 50 to 100 base units. For a repeated similar violation within a year, criminal liability and confiscation of the vehicle, regardless of ownership, are threatened. Preventive measures are aimed at once again drawing the attention of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to the need for strict adherence to traffic rules on the road, as well as the mandatory use of retroreflective elements. The traffic police is organizing large-scale information and explanatory work in work collectives and educational institutions. Inspectors will remind about the causes and consequences of traffic accidents involving vulnerable road users, and about the rules of safe behavior on the road and at pedestrian crossings. Raids involving all prevention entities are planned. During "peak hours" and at night, unregulated pedestrian crossings and accident-prone areas will be targeted.

roads. Patrol routes of traffic police units will be revised – they will be moved to places of mass pedestrian traffic, as well as to road sections and streets where traffic accidents occur most frequently. In addition, police officers will strengthen control over the condition of the street and road network.

Also, during the current period of 2020, 24 traffic accidents involving vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of animal-drawn vehicles – occurred in the Vitebsk region. 5 people died and 20 were injured. The preventive event is aimed at once again drawing the attention of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of animal-drawn vehicles to the need for strict adherence to traffic rules on the road, as well as the mandatory use of retroreflective elements.

The State Automobile Inspectorate urges citizens not to remain indifferent to the problem of "drunk driving". If you witness a vehicle being driven by an intoxicated driver, or an intoxicated cyclist or pedestrian on the roadway, immediately report it by calling 102 (free call from any operator).

Remember that your awareness can save someone's life!