Alarmed by a staggering number of road fatalities, authorities in Mandya have launched a urgent appeal for public cooperation to curb traffic accidents. The call was made during the inauguration of the 37th National Road Safety Month - 2026 in the district.
Shocking Statistics Reveal a Deadly Year
Officials presented grim data highlighting the scale of the crisis. In 2025 alone, Mandya district witnessed 496 fatal accidents, claiming 547 lives. Beyond these tragedies, the region saw over 3,000 minor accidents that resulted in serious injuries. The figures were disclosed by Anand M, the member secretary of the District Legal Services Authority and a senior civil judge, as well as by Additional Superintendent of Police Thimmaiah.
A Collective Oath for Safety and Responsibility
Inaugurating the safety month event, themed ‘Road Safety – Protection of Life', Judge Anand M stressed the invaluable nature of every human life. He urged citizens to embrace the principle of ‘live and let live' by strictly following traffic rules. He called for a collective public oath to observe road safety norms, noting that despite better infrastructure and speed regulations on highways like Bengaluru-Mysuru, accident rates remain unacceptably high.
The judge pointed out that Mandya enjoys relatively good road conditions compared to major cities, making public awareness and responsible driving the crucial factors in preventing deaths. The event was organized jointly by the District Road Safety Committee, District Legal Services Authority, and the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Specific Dangers and Legal Warnings
The judge issued stern warnings against specific high-risk behaviors:
- Underage Driving: He cautioned parents against allowing minors to drive, reminding them it is a punishable offence with a fine of Rs 25,000 and potential imprisonment.
- Drunk Driving: He strongly warned against driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Signal Violations: Jumping traffic signals and other violations were highlighted as actions that endanger lives and attract penalties.
He also made a special appeal to autorickshaw drivers to become ambassadors for traffic rule awareness.
Focus on Education and a Green Pledge
RTO official Hemavathi stated that the Road Safety Month will focus on educating citizens and students on essential practices like helmet use, seatbelt compliance, and overall traffic discipline. The inaugural program concluded symbolically with participants taking a safety oath and planting saplings, linking the preservation of life with environmental care.
The unified message from officials is clear: technological and infrastructural improvements are not enough. A fundamental shift in public attitude and behavior is the only way to bring down Mandya's distressing road accident tally.
