Everyone has a certain responsibility regarding how we live and conduct ourselves. While we have the right and freedom to do things our way, it should not come at the cost of others’ well-being and comfort. The way we conduct ourselves should not become a nuisance to society. We need to remember that no man is living in isolation. We can selfishly hurt others if we only think of our fun and comfort. This becomes especially true when driving a vehicle. If a person is reckless in the way they drive or are speeding without concern for the safety of others, it could lead to serious trouble for everyone involved. You need to be very vigilant about the laws regarding drunken driving and note that your bike insurance cannot help if you are drunk and driving. 

Relationship Between Bike Insurance Policy and Drunk and Drive Cases

There is no situation where drinking and driving can be a good idea.  It can be unsafe for other motorists and pillions who may be riding safely and gravely harmful to you. The Motor Vehicle Act 2019 is the latest recent law passed on this subject, which makes drinking and driving a criminal offence. Due to this, it is illegal to drive when intoxicated, and your insurance for 2 wheeler will not be able to cover you in case of any damages.

Here are some things you are required to know about drunken driving. 

  • You need to be aware of the maximum alcohol limit if you need to drive after drinking. Driving while intoxicated is defined as doing so for anyone whose blood alcohol concentration, measured by a breathalyser, is greater than 30 mg/100 mL. The same rules apply to a person who has consumed drugs and is unsteady to the point where they cannot operate a two-wheeled vehicle safely.
  • There are two main kinds of two-wheeler coverage available in the market. Third-party and comprehensive insurance for 2-wheelers are available to people to choose from. The damage your car causes to people and other vehicles when it is involved in an accident is covered by third-party insurance. A comprehensive bike insurance policy includes coverage for damage to your and third-party property. However, 2-wheeler insurance companies are not required by law to cover your damage claims if you are driving while intoxicated since the harm was your fault and you have committed an illegal act. There is no way in which 2-wheeler insurance companies can help in such situations. 
  • According to the 2019 Motor Vehicle Act, the consequences of drinking and driving have recently been made more stringent. Previously, a first infraction carried a ₹2,000 fine and a possible six-month prison sentence. Now, though, the fine can reach ₹10,000 and carries a potential six-month prison sentence. Additionally, a second offence carries a penalty of up to ₹15,000 and six months in jail. Therefore, it is clear that even if you are exceptionally fortunate and do not endanger anyone or cause any injuries while driving while intoxicated, you still run the possibility of facing not only a significant financial strain but also possible jail time because being drunk and driving is an extremely severe criminal offence. Moreover, you need to be even more careful as your third-party bike insurance cannot save you from liability in such a situation. Therefore, anything that needs to be done will need to be done by you single-handedly. 

Summing Up

Drinking and driving is a crime in India and one where you will not be able to rely on help from anyone or anything, including your bike insurance policy. According to how severely the other person is hurt and the damage they have sustained, you are accountable for an accident you cause while driving after drinking, and you might be implicated in a police investigation. Suppose you accidentally drive under the influence of alcohol, and somebody dies. In that case, you are criminally responsible and could face punishment in addition to paying the victim’s family compensation. Thus, drinking and driving should be avoided at all costs. If you intend to drink, use public transport or ask someone to drive you, to avoid any trouble.