Rachakonda sees 344 fatal road accidents till June; 363 lives lost
Police officials pointed out that most two-wheeler fatalities were linked to the non-use of helmets, especially in rural areas where compliance is poor
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Representational Image
Hyderabad: Road accidents continue to pose a serious threat in the Rachakonda Commissionerate limits, with official data revealing that 344 fatal accidents have claimed as many as 363 lives till June this year, leaving 1,657 others injured.
According to the Rachakonda Traffic Police, despite sustained enforcement and awareness drives, accident numbers remain alarming.
No significant decline despite efforts
The previous two years reported similar accident figures.
In 2024, there were 359 fatal accidents, resulting in 374 deaths and 1,605 injuries. In 2023, 361 fatal accidents claimed 393 lives, injuring 1,810 people.
Officials note that despite regular enforcement drives and awareness initiatives, the number of accidents remains high, indicating the need for stronger behavioural change among road users.
Spike in self-skid accidents
An area of major concern is the rising number of self-skid accidents, often caused by reckless nighttime driving or drunk riding. This year alone, there were 140 self-skid accidents, claiming 112 lives and injuring 45 people.
The figures were lower in 2024, with 96 such accidents leading to 77 deaths and 53 injuries. In 2023, there were 94 incidents, resulting in 63 deaths and 77 injuries.
Riders without helmets led to two-wheeler fatalities
Police officials pointed out that most two-wheeler fatalities were linked to the non-use of helmets, especially in rural areas where compliance is poor.
To tackle this, the Rachakonda Traffic Police has adopted a corrective approach by encouraging riders caught without helmets to purchase and wear them immediately.
This ensures real-time compliance while reinforcing the importance of helmet use through enforcement and education.
High-visibility enforcement and AI integration
To reduce violations, high-visibility enforcement drives are being carried out regularly at major junctions, arterial roads, and accident-prone zones. Repeat offenders are facing stricter penalties.
The Integrated Traffic Management System, powered by Artificial Intelligence, is also being used to automatically detect traffic violations and generate e-challans, improving compliance in urban areas.
Focused awareness programs
Understanding that enforcement alone is not enough, the Rachakonda Traffic Police has been conducting extensive awareness programs for students, auto and cab drivers, delivery personnel and the general public.
These initiatives include live demonstrations, accident survivor testimonials and interactive sessions explaining traffic rules and safe road practices.
Awareness campaigns are further amplified through print, electronic and social media, alongside the distribution of posters, pamphlets, booklets and stickers. This year, the Traffic Training Institute (TTI) under Rachakonda Commissionerate conducted 2,100 programs, reaching out to 69,239 participants till June.
Police appeal to citizens about wearing helmets and seatbelts
The Rachakonda Traffic Police has appealed to all road users to prioritise safety by wearing helmets and seatbelts at all times, following traffic signals and road signs, avoiding mobile phone use while driving, and being cautious near pedestrian crossings and school zones.
Officials emphasised that only collective responsibility and behavioural discipline can ensure safer roads for all.
