Vizag Police Launch Major Crackdown on Mobile Phone Use While Driving
In a decisive move to enhance road safety, the Vizag police have intensified enforcement against motorists using mobile phones while driving. Over the past few days, a special drive on Beach Road and other key city roads has resulted in more than 200 motorists being booked for this dangerous practice.
Reckless Behavior and Road Design Fuel Accident Surge
Police observations reveal that a combination of reckless driving behaviors, including signal jumping and mobile phone usage, along with flawed road design at certain locations, has contributed to a significant increase in road accidents in Vizag in recent years. "I have observed that some young auto-rickshaw drivers use phones for entertainment, with or without earphones, and others make video calls while driving," noted T Anil, a frequent auto-rickshaw passenger in the city.
Advanced Technology and Zero-Tolerance Policy
To bolster enforcement efforts, the police have procured two advanced speed laser guns, deploying them across various locations to identify traffic violators. On average, at least 30 motorists are caught daily for using mobile phones while driving in the city, according to a senior traffic police inspector. ADCP of the traffic wing, K Praveen Kumar, emphasized, "We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy on mobile phone use while driving and will conduct regular drives on multiple stretches. This behavior reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and heightens accident risks."
Legal Consequences Under the MV Act
The police highlighted that using a mobile phone while driving is classified under the dangerous driving category in the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act. Violators face severe penalties, including:
- A fine of up to Rs 5,000
- Imprisonment for up to one year
- Or both fine and jail time
This crackdown underscores the authorities' commitment to curbing hazardous driving habits and promoting safer roads in Vizag.
