182 FIRs registered against violators for wrong-side driving
The Delhi Traffic Police has registered 182 FIRs against violators for wrong-side driving from January 3 to February 9, with the New Delhi Range recording the highest number of cases.
In Delhi, driving on the wrong side of the road is no longer being treated as a minor traffic violation but as a serious and life-threatening offence, a senior police officer said.
The figures translate to an average of five FIRs being lodged every day against motorists found driving against the designated flow of traffic. According to official data, the highest number of cases, 53, were registered in the New Delhi Range during the period.
The Southern Range recorded 37 FIRs, while the Central, Northern and Western Ranges each reported 27 cases. The Eastern Range registered 11 FIRs.
A senior police officer said that cases were lodged under Section 281 (rash driving) (up to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000 or both) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
“Wrong-side, breaking traffic rules and jumping lights while driving significantly increases the risk of head-on collisions, grievous injuries to motorists and pedestrians, and fatal road accidents. Whereas driving in the opposite direction puts not only the violator but also innocent road users at extreme risk. Head-on crashes at high speed leave little scope for survival,” the police officer said.
The officer emphasised that strict enforcement measures were being undertaken across the city at the direction of senior officers of the Delhi Traffic Police.
The officer said that surveillance through CCTV cameras, AI-based high-technology cameras and deployment of traffic personnel and intensified patrolling at major intersections, flyovers and other vulnerable stretches are part of the ongoing drive.
“Everyone must drive in the proper lane and strictly follow the speed limit. High speed can prove fatal.
While driving, people must keep their phones aside and must not indulge in making reels or scrolling social media. A few seconds of distraction can cost a life,” the officer added.
