Road accidents serious threat than drugs; govt plans to deduct fines from violators’ bank accounts: CM Revanth

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy today said the Telangana government is considering a proposal to automatically deduct fines for traffic rule violations directly from vehicle owners’ bank accounts.

This follows an alarming rise in road accidents in the state.

He asserted that road accidents have emerged as a more serious threat to public safety than cybercrime, drugs, and even violent crimes.

Road accidents major public safety concern

Participating in the ‘Arrive-Alive’ road safety awareness programme organised by the State Police Department in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said road accidents were being reported almost every minute across the country.

He observed that more lives are being lost in road mishaps than in wars, cutting across social and economic sections, including families of prominent citizens.

Proposal for automatic deduction of fines

Highlighting the need for stricter enforcement, Revanth Reddy suggested replacing the existing manual system of collecting traffic challans with an automated mechanism linked to vehicle owners’ bank accounts.

Such a system, he said, would improve compliance and reduce violations, while also easing the burden on traffic police personnel.

Strengthening traffic policing through technology

Noting that traffic management has become a major challenge in urban areas, the Chief Minister stressed the need to strengthen the traffic police system by leveraging advanced technology.

He said reforms were required not only in enforcement but also in public awareness of traffic signals, road discipline, and safety norms.

Awareness from a Young Age

The Chief Minister underlined the importance of inculcating road safety awareness among students from an early age. “Traffic control will be accorded top priority by the government,” he said, and added that behavioural change through sustained awareness campaigns was as crucial as enforcement.

Police reforms and special enforcement systems

Revanth Reddy said the state government was continuously upgrading the policing system to address evolving forms of crime. He cited the creation of a dedicated mechanism to tackle cybercrime and the establishment of EAGLE to curb the drug menace.

He congratulated the Telangana Police for receiving global recognition for their efforts in controlling drugs and marijuana.

Protecting water bodies and public spaces

Referring to environmental protection measures, the Chief Minister said HYDRAA was set up to safeguard tanks, ponds, and canals from encroachments. He described the organisation of kite festivals at restored water bodies during Sankranti as a significant achievement in promoting conservation and public participation.

The Chief Minister reiterated that improving road safety would remain a key priority of the Telangana government, with policy reforms, technology adoption, and public awareness moving forward in tandem.