Hyderabad pedestrians face daily risks due to pavements lost to hawkers, reckless driving

Pedestrians in Hyderabad are facing growing risks due to reckless driving, wrong-side riders, and footpaths taken over by hawkers. With traffic rules rarely followed, residents say walking on city roads is becoming increasingly unsafe and stressful

By Vaikhari

Hyderabad: Hyderabadis and their daredevil driving feats are something that one cannot overlook, especially pedestrians. Every step out on the road requires caution as flouting of rules is a common phenomenon and traffic rules seem to be long-forgotten myths.

Adding to the chaos on the road is the condition of pavements, which seem to have lost their purpose. Hawkers occupy such spaces, which pushes people to walk on the edge of the road.

With the number of vehicles on the road, it becomes extremely difficult to cross, especially in a busy junction area. With many riders ignoring the traffic light, the safety lies in the pedestrian’s own hands. They need to cross while avoiding such riders and keeping an eye in all directions, as wrong-side driving is also the norm for such drivers. A city resident, Bhavani Aniket, sums up, “For people who walk on the road, it’s not safe.”

Even though the Rules of Road Regulation 1989 lay down guidance for riders to drive responsibly while ensuring pedestrian safety, it is hardly followed. These rules ensure that drivers slow down when approaching a pedestrian crossing, that they do not drive on the footpath or cycle lane, and that there is no parking on the footpath or pedestrian lane.

A recent accident at JNTU junction, where a 29-year-old software engineer died after being hit by a speeding motorcycle, further highlights the need for stricter adherence to traffic rules by riders.