By Akshya rout
Jajpur ,17/09(PPT): Central Range Inspector General of Police Dr Satyajit Nayak , IPS, has appealed to citizens to refrain from drinking and driving and observe traffic rules during the festive season, stressing that responsible road behaviour is essential to preventing accidents and protecting lives. In his appeal, Dr Nayak urged motorists who consume alcohol not to get behind the wheel under any circumstances and advised them to make alternative arrangements for travelling home, including using a designated driver or other safe modes of transport.“Do not drink and drive; one irresponsible decision can put several lives at risk, he said. The IGP also called upon vehicle users to exercise caution while travelling, particularly during festival celebrations when traffic movement tends to increase. Drivers and two-wheeler riders were urged to follow speed limits, avoid rash and dangerous driving and remain attentive to road conditions. He stressed the importance of wearing seat belts in cars and helmets on two-wheelers and said compliance with traffic regulations was necessary not only to avoid legal action but, more importantly, to protect motorists, passengers, pedestrians and other road users. The police would maintain heightened vigilance against traffic violations, including drunk driving, during the festive period, Dr Nayak said, while appealing to motorists to cooperate with enforcement personnel. Road safety, he said, is a shared responsibility and cannot be achieved through enforcement alone. Families, friends, community organisations, puja committees and volunteers can play an important role by discouraging people who have consumed alcohol from driving. Dr Nayak also urged families and groups attending festive gatherings to plan their return journey in advance and ensure that anyone who has consumed alcohol does not drive. He further appealed to drivers to avoid speeding and unnecessary overtaking and to remain particularly cautious while travelling at night. The IGP emphasised that festive celebrations should not come at the cost of road safety, urging citizens to celebrate responsibly, follow traffic rules and ensure that their travel arrangements do not put other road users at risk. Celebrate responsibly, return home safely and never drink and drive,” he appealed.