MUMBAI: The traffic police register 85 cases of rash driving daily on average in Maharashtra, of which 10 cases are filed in Mumbai. Recently-released data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that 87,799 such cases were registered in the state from 2017 to 2019, of which 10,051 were in the city.
Though, cases in Mumbai dropped by almost 5% from 2018 to 2019, whereas in the state they rose by about 20%. Also, Mumbai went down by one place to the seventh rank among cities in 2019 but Pune climbed up one place to just above Mumbai. For Maharashtra, the rise is by two places to the fourth position. The top rank among states continues to be held by Kerala and among cities by Kochi (see graphic).
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Rash driving has become a menace on Indian roads, and especially in mega-cities like Mumbai, which was once known for its traffic discipline. Among the worst offenders are bikers, who show blatant disregard for the law, violating traffic norms by riding in wrong lanes and on footpaths, breaking traffic signals and behaving aggressively when questioned. In the city, several traffic police constables have been injured, maimed and even killed in road rage incidents over the years. There needs to be a systematic campaign to counsel and educate motorists and bikers on the dangers of rash driving and the law, which has been amended to make penalties heavier, should be enforced.
Joint commissioner of police (traffic) Yashasvi Yadav told TOI, "At least 5,300 cameras are keeping watch on traffic violators. These cameras are connected to the 30 traffic stations in the city that take action against them. If a violation is normal in nature, then e-challans are issued with a fine. If the violation is serious, stronger action is taken and the vehicle impounded."
The suspension of driving licences for not wearing helmets across the state was 143% more in just the first six months of 2020 as compared to all of 2019. The alarming statistics were released by the state transport department on Friday, which showed 1,683 licence suspensions for drunk driving in six months of 2020 as compared to 4,746 in all of 2019. The maximum licence suspension was for talking on a mobile phone.
State transport commissioner Avinash Dhakne said, "There will be zero tolerance for citizens flouting traffic rules, especially jumping signals, speeding, drunk driving and also not wearing helmets, which are mandatory. The objective is to inculcate discipline among motorists/riders and ensure road safety across Maharashtra."
A V Shenoy from Mumbai Mobility Forum said everybody should strictly follow speed limits: "It is a question of life and death, and once you are riding above 40 kmph, the chances of a fatal accident are high on, say, dangerous bends on flyovers. The traffic police have put speed codes on flyovers for road safety."