Road accidents far deadlier threat than crimes: Telangana DGP Shivadhar Reddy
"Defensive driving means being aware of others on the road. This behavioural shift is essential if we want to reduce accidents,” the DGP said.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Road accidents remain a far deadlier threat than crimes in Telangana.
Director General of Police (DGP) B Shivadhar Reddy said 8,000 people are killed in road accidents every year compared to 800 murder cases.
Calling the situation a “serious public safety crisis,” he stressed the need for defensive driving and heightened alertness on the roads. The DGP was speaking at the launch of ‘Arrive Alive’, a statewide campaign aimed at promoting safer driving behaviour. The event was held at LB Stadium here.
Defensive driving is key to saving lives
Shivadhar Reddy said road safety requires motorists to be conscious not only of their own movement but also of their surroundings and fellow commuters. “Defensive driving means being aware of others on the road. This behavioural shift is essential if we want to reduce accidents,” he said.
Statewide campaign to promote road awareness
The DGP announced that the Arrive Alive programme will be taken across Telangana to educate motorists and encourage responsible driving practices. The initiative aims to bring down accident numbers through awareness and behavioural change.
Hyderabad sees 3,000 road accidents annually
“Hyderabad continues to face a worrying volume of road mishaps, with nearly 3,000 accidents and about 300 fatalities recorded every year,” said City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar.
To tackle the problem, he said the police have intensified enforcement, set up special teams, and initiated stricter enforcement against traffic violators to bring down accident numbers.
Citizens urged to assist accident victims
Sajjanar also appealed to the public to embrace the Arrive Alive campaign and extend immediate help to road accident victims whenever possible.
He noted that Hyderabad Traffic Police have earned national recognition for facilitating the Green Channel during organ transport, and urged citizens to show similar responsibility.
“Treating the rescue of accident victims as a civic duty can save lives,” he said. Film actor Sharwanad, former minister P Babu Mohan, and others were also present.
