A total of 1,822 road accidents were reported in the Rachakonda Commissionerate in the first six months of 2025, resulting in 363 deaths and 1,657 people injured.
While overall accident figures are slightly higher than last year, the spike in self-skid crashes, caused largely by reckless, drunk riding and helmet non-use, has raised serious concerns, said Commissioner G. Sudheer Babu.
The number of self-skid accidents jumped to 140 cases this year, killing 112 people and injuring 45. In the same period last year, 96 self-skid accidents left 77 dead and 53 injured. The officer said that most of these were two-wheeler accidents, with the majority of the victims not wearing helmets. Rural compliance with helmet laws, in particular, was described as ‘abysmal’. In 2023, the number of self-skid accidents stood at 94, with 63 deaths.
The Rachakonda Traffic Police said they have begun enforcing an immediate corrective approach where two-wheeler riders caught without helmets will be asked to buy and wear one on the spot. This, they say, is aimed at reducing head injuries and instilling lasting behavioural change.
Enforcement is being intensified at major junctions and accident-prone stretches. Repeat offenders are facing stricter penalties. Automated enforcement through the AI-driven Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) has also been scaled up, with smart cameras identifying and issuing e-challans for violations.
On the awareness front, the Traffic Training Institute (TTI) has conducted 2,100 educational programmes since January, reaching 69,239 people. These include students, auto and cab drivers, and delivery personnel. The sessions featured live demos, survivor accounts, and interactive activities to reinforce traffic rules and safety practices.
The police are also using posters, videos, pamphlets, and social media to amplify their message, backed by coordinated efforts from other wings including Law & Order, Crime, She Teams, and the IT Cell.
Published – June 27, 2025 09:38 pm IST
