Hyderabad: City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar has issued a stern warning to motorists over frequent violations of traffic rules in Hyderabad.
He particularly cautioned against the growing menace of using mobile phones or earphones while driving, calling it a “serious and punishable offense” that endangers not just the driver but also others on the road.
Distractions behind the wheel are a major cause of accidents
Highlighting recent incidents, Sajjanar said that several road accidents have been linked to drivers getting distracted by mobile phones while operating vehicles.
Traffic police have observed that auto-rickshaw, cab, and bike taxi drivers are among the worst offenders, often found watching videos or speaking on phones during trips. Such negligence, Sajjanar said, has become a major contributor to road mishaps in the city.
Traffic police to intensify enforcement drive
Warning of strict enforcement measures, the Commissioner said the Hyderabad Traffic Police will launch a special drive to crack down on violations. Motorists found violating rules will face hefty penalties and other legal consequences.
‘No problem is bigger than life’
Reiterating the importance of safety, Sajjanar appealed to all road users to follow traffic regulations responsibly. “The safety of the driver, passengers, and pedestrians is paramount. No problem is bigger than life itself. Every individual must treat road safety as a personal responsibility,” he said.
Data speaks: Phone use behind the wheel already linked to fatalities
In Hyderabad in 2023, 23 accidents were directly linked to mobile phone use while driving, resulting in 3 deaths and 26 injuries.
The number of cases booked for talking on the phone while driving rose drastically—by over 50% from 2022 to 2023 (from 35,000 to 53,000).
In the first half of 2024 alone, the Hyderabad Commissionerate reported 42,758 such cases (in comparison to 47,436 across the state). Fines collected in those cases exceeded Rs 46 lakh, according to the police.
