29th February 2024: Among the country’s leading alco-Bev companies Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.), extended its support to Telangana Police in curbing drunk driving by providing 50 advanced Alcohol Breath Analyzers. The event was held in Hyderabad in the presence of Director General police Ravi Gupta, Additional DGP Railways and road safety Mahesh M Bhagwat along with senior dignitaries and members from the Diageo India team. Road Safety SP Gone Sandeep, LB Nagar Traffic DCP Srinivasulu, Cyberabad Traffic Additional DCPs Venugopal Reddy and Shivakumar, and others were also present at the event.
Diageo India drives focused programs to advocate for anti-drink driving through its flagship program, ‘Wrong Side of The Road’ which uses a series of real-life scenarios to create awareness among adults.
Speaking at the meeting, Director General of Police Ravi Gupta expressed his gratitude to Diageo Company and the NGO CSR Box for coming forward to provide quality breath analyzers to the Telangana State Police Department, which is a pioneer in many aspects of the country. He said that the initiative taken by them under social responsibility would further enhance the capacity of the police personnel and help to control drunk driving. He expressed hope that if even a few lives could be saved with these devices, it would be worthwhile.
Commenting on the initiative, Jagbir Singh Sidhu, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo India, said, “Promoting responsible consumption is one of the key pillars of Diageo India’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress ESG plan. We stay committed to championing road safety in India and promoting responsible consumption through focused initiatives to curb underage drinking, drunk driving, and binge drinking. Aligned to our ‘Wrong Side of The Road’ program, these advanced alcohol breath analyzers will support the Telangana Police Department in addressing the issue of drunk driving and promoting road safety in the region.”
Diageo’s ‘Wrong Side of The Road’ program has been developed together with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to sensitize participants on the effects of drunk driving. Diageo India has also partnered with over 25 Regional Transport Offices and set up tab labs to create awareness through the ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ program. Last year over 2.3 lac adults participated in this anti-drink driving learning experience.
