HYDERABAD: With the city witnessing a rise in road accidents involving pedestrians, Hyderabad traffic police is mulling introduction of rules to bring jaywalkers to task. Based on data analysis, traffic police have come to the conclusion that jaywalking is a major reason for accidents, besides rash and negligent driving. However, what the police have probably not taken into account is the lack of footpaths or spaces for pedestrians in a city bulging at seams with traffic. A crisis where many roads lack footpaths, or the existing few are encroached upon.
The Hyderabad traffic police said all departments concerned would be asked to ensure proper signages, pedestrian ways and signals before the laws are implemented.According to data, 259 persons have been killed in 214 road accidents this year till October. Of this, 112 were pedestrians. Between November 1 and 15, another 15 pedestrians lost their lives. In 2016, 130 of the 302 persons killed in road accidents were pedestrians.
“A detailed study is being done about the cause of fatal road accidents, timing, vulnerable stretches etc. and plans are being formed to improve the usage of pathway by motorists and encouraging pedestrians to walk on the designated areas,” said a traffic police officer from Hyderabad commissionerate. He said that not all the pedestrian deaths are due to their negligence, but a few are.
“In developed countries, pedestrians who violate the laws are penalised and sometimes asked to do social service for approx 15 days. We should also bring such rules to inculcate discipline among the pedestrians and the motorists also should be attentive while driving,” said the officer.