Though the start of the year was a happy occasion for many, rash driving and dangerous celebrations have proved fatal for a youth, and has injured many in Coimbatore on Friday. According to the authorities of the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH), there was a steady flow of injured yongsters for most part of the day today.

Despite the fact that the number of accidents this time is much lesser than the past few years, the officials said that the incidents of drunken driving have increased. “Usually we get only one or two accident cases under the influence of alcohol. But as much as ten persons have been admitted at the CMCH this New Year,” the official said.

He further added that 24 accident cases have been admitted to the CMCH until 7 am in the morning today, from Thursday night onwards.

A young man met with an accident near Goldwins on Avinashi Road and died on the spot.

A police official said that even as the city police tried their best to curb such incidences, the youth were uncontrollable. “Most of the accidents had occurred on Avinashi Road,” he said.

Only four cases have been filed under the city police and the rest were reported from rural areas.