Gurugram tops in traffic violations, over 15,000 errant drivers challaned

Gurugram: Gurugram topped in Haryana in levying the highest number of fines for traffic violations. The data, however, reflects a worrisome trend as there are over 15,000 drivers who have been challaned for rash and negligent driving.

The situation has continued even in the new year where recently a three-year-old was mowed down by a tractor driver who was driving rashly. The issue has gained prominence in Gurugram as not only the pedestrians but also the policemen are now being targetted by errant drivers.

In 2018, nearly 20 police officials were injured in separate incidents due to rash driving. A large number of cases were reported from outer areas of Gurugram like Pataudi, Bilaspur and Farukhnagar within the city centre areas of Sector- 10, Shivaji Nagar.

As rash driving has become a major challenge, the Gurugram traffic police has launched various initiatives to prevent the situations. Yet, the rate of accidents in Gurugram continues to be high.

Last year, there were over 180 people who lost their lives because of the reckless driving of the drivers. In total, over 442 lives were lost due to road mishaps.

"Majority of accidents happened after the vehicle was moving in the wrong direction. The traffic police claimed that there has been a crackdown while there are repeated complaints of rash, drunken and underage driving" he further added

It is estimated that two out of three accidents at Delhi-Jaipur highway is caused by heavy vehicles.

Various studies that have been conducted on the drivers have revealed that more than 50 per cent of the truck drivers have poor eyesight.

Officials also indicate that the visibility further decreased during driving heavy vehicles. Other factors resulting in the deadly mishap are fatigue, overspeeding, drunken driving and overloading.

Despite a large number of traffic constables deployed on the roads to manage the situation, various commuters often complain that police officials are not present in those locations where traffic violations are rampant.

"I hope strict stance by the Gurgram traffic police is beneficial in instilling proper traffic sense among the residents. Sadly, the situation is not bright. Being stationed in prominent areas will result in police getting hold of a large number of people, however, the main culprits which are the trucks, autos and private buses getaway maybe because of their clout," said Amardeep Singh, a city resident.