The police have decided to purchase 515 breath analysers as part of intensifying checking against drink-driving in the state. Police officials said the new breath analysers would replace the defunct analysers. An official at the police head quarters said there were criticisms after several breath analysers gave wrong readings.
“Some of the devices, purchased about four years ago, are not functioning properly. There had been instances when the breath analyser gave wrong reading and people had to be taken to hospitals for confirmation. Around 120 breath analysers used by the police across the state are not functioning. The police department is looking to purchase more advanced breath analysers this time,” the official informed. It has been decided to buy 515 breath analysers on tender basis. Around `41 lakh has been allocated for this purpose.
The new breath analysers, unlike the old one, can detect alcohol while the driver speaks to the police. In the old devices, the drivers have to blow through a pipe. Though the police are supposed to clean the pipe after checking each person, often they fail to do so.
Drunken-driving is one of the major cause for the high number of accidents across the state. In Kochi, the police had booked 11,483 persons for drink-driving from January to July 31 this year.