Traffic violations rise 4 times in 5 yrs in C'magaluru

The number of traffic violation cases in the last five years has increased by four times in Chikkamagaluru district.

In 2013, around 33,191 cases were booked and a sum of Rs 50 lakh fine was collected. In 2018, a total of 1,33,902 cases have been registered and Rs 1.80 crore has been collected.

Highest traffic violation cases were related to riding without wearing helmets. According to the statistics available from the Police Department, there were around 47,067 cases of riding without helmets in the year 2018.

Second was driving without wearing seat belts — 22,475 cases. At least 2,920 cases of driving without a license and around 2,523 cases of illegal parking. Around 647 cases of rash driving, 528 cases of using mobile phones while driving, around 403 cases of drunken driving and 394 cases of over speeding have been booked.

A large number of tourists visit the district during long weekends. The density of vehicles has also increased in the district. A total of 170 people lost their lives in 164 accidents in the district between January and December 2018.

Manjunath, a teacher said, “Youngsters consider it a thrill to ride without wearing helmets, driving without wearing seat belts, triple riding and wheeling. There is a need to create awareness on road safety and traffic rules in all the colleges.”

Speaking to DH, SP Harish Pande said, “Priority has been given to improving the traffic system in the district. Measures will be taken to instal reflectors and traffic cones wherever it is required. Materials worth Rs 5 lakh have already been purchased. The work will commence shortly. A new traffic signal will be installed at AIT Circle, Hiremagaluru.