8000 cops to control traffic during Avurudu ; breathalyzer distributed amongst Police stations : DIG Rohana

Around 8000 police officers will be deployed across the country in order to control the flow of traffic and to reduce the occurence of accidents during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Motor Traffic DIG Ajith Rohana said.

Further, 25,000 breathalyser devices will be distributed among all police stations in the country in order to detect drivers who are found to be driving under the influence of liquor from tomorrow (Apr 09) onwards.

DIG Rohana recounted that 135 deaths and 750 cases of injured persons were reported due to accidents from April 10 - 20 last year. This also means that an average of 14 deaths and 75 injuries were reported during the said span of ten days last year.

The Police Department has cautioned the public to refrain from driving after consuming liquor especially at parties. Those under the influence of liquor have been urged to utilise public transport, taxis or to accompany a driver, police said.