The state of Telangana has introduced a new law to improve traffic safety. This regulation, according to Hyderabad traffic police, attempts to address the problem of wrong-side driving, which results in serious collisions and fatalities. Anybody found driving on the wrong side of the road will have their driving licence immediately revoked, according to police statements. This rigorous law is thought to contribute to the solution to the growing issue of driving on the wrong side of the road.
In India, driving on the wrong side of the road has been a key factor in accidents throughout the years. This is particularly noticeable in places with high population densities like Hyderabad. Therefore, the Hyderabad traffic police are addressing this issue through a larger program that includes this new traffic regulation.
A top official claims that the request to terminate the licence has already been forwarded to the transportation department for approval. The source went on to say that it will soon be implemented in the Greater Hyderabad area if authorised.
Prior to these modifications, driving licence suspensions were mostly applied to intoxicated driving infractions. But the authorities have now extended this punishment to include driving on the wrong side of the road due to the growing number of deaths associated with this behaviour.
Driving on the wrong side of the road will be taken just as seriously as driving while intoxicated when the new regulations take effect. The traffic police in Hyderabad have made it clear that they are dedicated to making sure that everyone travels on safer roads.
The traffic police continue to enforce stringent laws against drunk driving in addition to the new measures for driving on the wrong side of the road. Penalties for violators might range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000. Their licenses may be suspended for three to six months if they commit the same offences repeatedly.
Furthermore, thorough records are appended to the charge sheets in cases involving intoxicated drivers, which results in the courts imposing more severe punishments.
Areas Under Surveillance That Are Prone to Accidents
The Hyderabad traffic police have identified over 130 accident-prone areas around the city, mostly in the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate. The authorities are discussing a comprehensive road safety strategy with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
They are also in negotiations with the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to make the necessary repairs and improvements at these places. There are proposals for upgrades, such as increasing the height of road barriers and installing street lights. Both are projected to lower the risk of accidents in these key regions.
Criminal Proceedings Against Wrong-Side Drivers
Wrong-side driving is now considered a criminal offence under Section 336 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which covers activities that risk human life or safety. In recent months, the Cyberabad Police have increased their crackdown on this harmful behaviour.
As of June 22, 2024, the Cyberabad Police has filed 122 First Information Reports (FIRs) against motorists who drove on the wrong side. They’ve also ticketed over 631 automobiles for the offence.
Joel Davis, Cyberabad’s Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), indicated that multiple fatalities have been attributed to wrong-side driving. In other cases, these incidents ended in the terrible deaths of persons who were following the laws of the road.
Enforcement of Drunk Driving Laws
The Cyberabad Traffic Police have been testing intoxicated drivers extensively around the city in addition to wrong-side driving. 385 people were detained for driving under the influence during a recent trip that took place on the evening of June 22.
This comprised 80 drivers of four-wheelers and 292 riders of two-wheelers. Blood alcohol content (BAC) values in certain cases exceeded the legal limit by up to 550 mg per 100 ml.