Analysis of these road accidents revealed that most of the fatalities were caused due to wrong side driving.- Shashikant Satav (DCP Traffic) 

 

 

Riders and drivers beware while plying on the wrong side on the city roads. If you believe that traffic police only issue challan and fine for the violation, you are mistaken. Instead, they will take you to the police station concerned and register offence under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This could lead to frequent court appearances and your name being recorded in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) database. In response to a troubling increase in fatalities on roads caused due to wrong side driving, the city’s traffic police have adopted a stricter approach. Instead of just issuing challans, they are now registering offenses against the violators.

 

This revised strategy has resulted in a significant decrease in fatal accidents within the city limits. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Shashikant Satav, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’, revealed the gravity of the situation. “In January and February, there were 66 fatal accidents reported in the city which claimed 73 lives. Analysis of these incidents indicated that a significant portion of fatalities were attributed to wrong side driving,” said Satav. The initiative for this change in approach stemmed from a detailed meeting convened by the Commissioner of Police, Dr Ravinder Singal. Addressing the pressing issue, CP Dr Singal directed the implementation of registration of offenses under Sections 279 and 336 of the IPC against the violators.

 

The penalty prescribed under Section 279 of the IPC includes imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of Rs 1,000, or both. Similarly, Section 336 of the IPC imposes punishment on the offender which may consist of imprisonment for a term extending up to three months, a fine not exceeding Rs 250, or both. Another traffic police official said, “The mere issuance of challans was not proving to be a sufficient deterrent. By registering offenses, the drivers will face more severe consequences, affecting their career prospects and legal status.” Since the enforcement of the new measure, the traffic police have recorded 240 cases under Sections 279 and 336 of the Indian Penal Code across various police stations.

 

Upon catching wrong side drivers, they are escorted to the police station for verification of necessary documents, including Aadhar card and address proof. Soon after, based on this evidence and the offencee committed, FIRs are lodged against the offenders at the concernced police station. The stance of the police has yielded results, with fatal accidents reducing to seven within the last 15 days. DCP Satav affirmed that this intensified approach would be sustained to ensure continued safety on the roads. The registration of offenses against wrong side drivers not only acts as a deterrent but also help in promoting responsible driving habits on the city's streets, the official said.