New Delhi: In a concerted effort to curb the hazardous practice of wrong-side driving, the Delhi Traffic Police have registered 72 First Information Reports (FIRs) and issued 7,249 challans against errant motorists between May 4 and May 9. This enforcement drive is aimed at tackling one of the primary causes of head-on collisions, traffic congestion, and fatal road accidents in the national capital.
Strict Legal Measures
Police officials have emphasized that strict legal action is being taken not only through challans but also through the registration of criminal cases in cases of blatant violations. “Wrong-side driving poses a serious threat to public safety, disrupts smooth traffic flow, and significantly increases the risk of accidents and fatalities,” a senior traffic police officer stated.
Range-Wise Enforcement Data
Data released by the Traffic Police reveals that the Central Range recorded the highest number of FIRs at 16 during the enforcement period. The Eastern Range followed closely with 14 FIRs, while the New Delhi Range registered 13 cases. The Northern Range recorded 12 FIRs, the Western Range 10, and the Southern Range seven.
Focus Areas and Common Violators
Traffic Police officials noted that the drive is being conducted across the National Capital Territory, with special attention on stretches where motorists frequently violate lane discipline by driving against the designated flow of traffic to take shortcuts. “Such violations are commonly seen among two-wheeler riders, e-rickshaw drivers, delivery vehicle riders, and private vehicle owners, especially on busy arterial roads, intersections, and service lanes. The practice often forces vehicles moving in the correct direction to suddenly brake or swerve, increasing the possibility of collisions,” explained Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic Headquarters) Vijayanta Goyal Arya.
Immediate Action and Appeals
Police have directed personnel to take immediate action against offenders found driving on the wrong side of the road. In serious cases, FIRs are being registered in addition to prosecution under traffic laws, and motorists found indulging in reckless violations will face strict consequences.
Police also appealed to commuters not to take shortcuts by driving against traffic and urged motorists to strictly follow designated carriageways and traffic rules. The crackdown comes in the wake of a tragic incident on April 30, when a 25-year-old delivery executive died after allegedly driving on the wrong side and being hit by a car near the Dabri Mor flyover in southwest Delhi. The impact flung him off the flyover onto the road below, and footage of the incident went viral on social media.
