Driving License Of Those Driving/Riding On Wrong Side Will Be Cancelled

The state of Telangana, in its attempt to increase road safety, has announced a new rule. As per Hyderabad traffic police, this rule aims to address the issue of wrong-side driving, which causes severe accidents and fatalities. The police have stated that any person caught driving on the wrong side of the road will face the immediate cancellation of their driving license. It is believed that this strict rule will help solve the increasing problem of wrong-side driving.

New Rules to Reduce Wrong-Side Driving

Over the years, wrong-side driving has been a major cause of accidents across India. This is especially prominent in densely populated cities like Hyderabad. So, this new traffic rule comes as part of a broader initiative by the Hyderabad traffic police to tackle this issue.

According to a senior official, the proposal for license cancellation has already been sent to the transport department for approval. The official added that once it is approved, it will be implemented in the Greater Hyderabad region soon.

Prior to these changes, the cancellation of driving licenses was primarily enforced for drunk driving offenses. However, with the rising number of fatalities linked to wrong-side driving, the authorities have now expanded this penalty to wrong-side driving as well.

Once the new rules come into effect, wrong-side driving will be treated with the same seriousness as drunk driving. The Hyderabad traffic police have highlighted that they are committed to ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Heavy Penalties for Drunk Driving

Alongside the new measures for wrong-side driving, the traffic police continue to enforce strict rules against drunk driving. Offenders face fines ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000. In cases of repeated offenses, their licenses can be suspended for three to six months.

Additionally, when drunk drivers are involved in accidents, detailed records are added to the charge sheets, leading to harsher penalties imposed by the courts.

Accident-Prone Areas Under Surveillance

The Hyderabad traffic police have already identified 130 accident-prone spots across the city, particularly within the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate. As part of a comprehensive road safety plan, the authorities are in talks with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

They are also in talks with the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to undertake necessary repairs and enhancements at these locations. There are plans for improvements, including raising the height of road dividers and installing streetlights. Both of these are expected to reduce the likelihood of accidents in these critical areas.

Criminal Cases Filed Against Wrong-Side Drivers

Wrong-side driving is now recognized as a criminal offense under Section 336 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to actions that endanger human life or safety. In recent months, the Cyberabad Police have intensified their crackdown on this dangerous behavior.

As of June 22, 2024, the Cyberabad Police had registered 122 First Information Reports (FIRs) against motorists involved in wrong-side driving. They have also booked over 631 vehicles for this offense.

Joel Davis, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in Cyberabad, stated that several fatalities have been linked to wrong-side driving. In some cases, these accidents have resulted in the tragic loss of life for those who were following the rules of the road.

Extensive Drunk Driving Enforcement

Apart from wrong-side driving, the Cyberabad Traffic Police have also been conducting large-scale drunk driving tests across the city. In a recent drive conducted on the night of June 22, 385 individuals were arrested for drunk driving.

This included 292 two-wheeler riders and 80 four-wheeler drivers. In some cases, individuals had Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels as high as 550 mg per 100 ml, well above the legal limit.

Source