Latest news with #InstituteofRoadTrafficEducation
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Truck with disaster: Violations surge 46%
In July, trucks have been involved in two major fatal accidents in south Delhi, highlighting the menace of heavy vehicles on the roads. According to Delhi Police data, so far this year, heavy vehicles were involved in 82 fatal accidents, causing 85 deaths and injuring 187 people. Last year, 87 fatal crashes ended up claiming 89 lives and injuring 205 persons in the corresponding period. The data shows that during this period, traffic violations by heavy vehicles increased by 46 per cent from last year. While 17,776 challans were issued in the first six months of 2024, this year, 26,025 challans have already been issued. Improper or obstructive parking, which was the most frequent offence, increased sharply from 10,147 cases in 2024 to 14,473 in 2025. Violations of restriction of time (no entry) also surged notably, from 4,108 to 7,326. Jumping traffic signal, while showing a slight decline, remained high, with 1,766 cases in 2024 and 1,401 in 2025. The number of heavy vehicle drivers not using seat belts went up from 702 to 1,120, highlighting safety concerns. Vehicles operating without a pollution under control certificate (PUCC) were reported 686 times in 2024 and 914 this year. Violations related to disobeying lawful directions went up steeply, from 118 to 415. Trucks carrying sand or dust without proper covering (no entry) almost doubled, rising from 157 to 295. Vehicles operating without fitness certification decreased slightly, from 92 to 81, the data showed. According to an officer, these violations mostly increase at night. Once the no-entry period ends, drivers of heavy vehicles tend to speed. Some also try to enter during no-entry hours, the officer said, adding that obstructive parking was another major problem, often causing snarls. A senior police officer said teams have been deployed at various locations to curb violations by heavy vehicles and enforce compliance. Rohit Baluja, president, Institute of Road Traffic Education, said heavy vehicles face a big challenge on Delhi roads, which are not engineered for mixed-traffic conditions, especially as two-wheelers wriggle their way in and around larger vehicles. Footpaths remain encroached upon by vendors, parked vehicles or other debris, forcing pedestrians to walk on the carriageway. Legislation also does not support heavy vehicles, he said. For instance, Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules demand that where bus lanes are segregated and marking on roads or streets have been provided, all buses and goods carriages plying during permitted hours will be confined to the bus lanes, and no other motor vehicle shall enter that space. When accidents occur, heavy vehicles are always labelled as accused, said Baluja. Anil Chhikara, a transport and vehicle expert, said the primary reason behind most of the fatalities involving heavy vehicles is excessive speed. According to him, the accidents could be significantly reduced if speed governor devices are installed and enforced in vehicles across the city. A speed governor, he explained, is a specialised piece of instrument designed to regulate and control the speed of an electric motor or engine, preventing vehicles from exceeding safe speed limits.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Survey to identify causes of jams at 2 S Delhi roads
New Delhi: To ease traffic snarls at two of south Delhi's busiest corridors—the Chirag Dilli intersection and RTR Marg—Delhi Traffic Police, in collaboration with Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE), has launched a detailed traffic engineering survey to identify the root causes of congestion and recommend long-term solutions. While the survey on the Chirag Dilli intersection is already complete, its findings will be formally presented on June 23. The report for RTR Marg, which connects the airport corridor with the AIIMS stretch, is expected to be ready by mid-July. "Traffic engineering plays a key role in managing road infrastructure. When we conduct surveys, we try to identify the root causes of congestion. In many cases, it's not just about traffic volume but also about traffic engineering—like sudden lane expansions or contractions, missing or unclear signage, and much more. For instance, a sudden stop of one vehicle at a particular point causes a ripple effect across the entire stretch," explained IRTE director Rohit Baluja. "These aren't problems that can be solved by policing alone. They need proper traffic engineering solutions," he asserted. According to sources, some problems found at the Chirag Dilli intersection included a lack of information signs, inappropriate geometry with reference to the volume of traffic, and the need for better signal operation management. "We've initiated a detailed traffic survey of the Chirag Dilli and RTR stretches around Munirka and near Gurgaon, in collaboration with IRTE to identify engineering-led solutions. The Chirag Dilli's inspection is complete, and we expect inputs on RTR by mid-July. Based on the findings, we will involve civic agencies and draw up a coordinated plan to ease snarls on these two high-pressure corridors," said additional CP (traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Time of India
Hit, run, repeat: 200 lives lost in 4 months in Delhi
NEW DELHI: The mowing down of a security guard by an SUV driver near Mahipalpur flyover on Sunday has brought the number of hit-and-run cases in Delhi this year to a staggering 503. Nearly 200 people were killed in these incidents - an average of 11 lives lost each week. Since 2023, about 1,500 people have lost their lives in hit-and-run cases across the national capital, revealed Delhi Police data. While 666 people were killed in 2023, the toll stood at 644 in 2024 and 190 till April 30, 2025. The data also showed that on a daily average, two persons were killed in 1,481 fatal crashes. A total of 2,810 people were injured in the incidents since 2023 - an average of three people daily. While 1,275 people were injured in 2023, next year saw 1,121 injuries. Operation Sindoor Air siren warning sounded in Chandigarh, residents advised to stay indoors J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan on high alert after Pak's failed drone attacks Conflict widens, India targets Lahore, Pindi, Karachi after foiling multiple Pakistani attacks So far this year, 414 people have been injured. According to police, there are several factors behind hit-and-runs. The most common is speeding, where drivers tend to lose control of the vehicle. Other causes include drunk driving and using mobile phones. "In hit-and-run cases, the drivers often do not stop, thinking they won't get caught or that no one would notice their vehicle number. Some also believe stopping could lead to them being beaten up," a senior police officer said. Most of the victims in hit-and-run cases were pedestrians - 343 were killed in 2023; 309 in 2024; and 92 in 2025. This was followed by two-wheeler riders, with 270 fatalities in 2023, 288 in 2024, and 88 this year. According to police, pedestrians are the most vulnerable due to various factors. These include attempting to cross busy roads quickly, speeding by vehicles, and lack of accessible foot-over bridges, leading them to cross roads directly. Jaywalking and mobile phone distraction while walking also add to the risk. Two-wheelers remain vulnerable due to the absence of dedicated lanes and riders taking shortcuts, which can lead to accidents. Special commissioner of police (traffic) Ajay Chaudhry said the department consistently organises awareness programmes aimed at educating road users and promoting safer driving habits in order to reduce the number of road accidents. Regular enforcement actions are carried out against people violating traffic rules, particularly those engaging in high-speed driving, drunk driving and other serious offences, he added. Rohit Baluja, president, Institute of Road Traffic Education, said drivers lack awareness of the legal consequences of hit-and-run cases, which needs to be addressed. He emphasised the importance of forensic analysis in solving such cases. He also suggested public awareness campaigns to encourage people to report hit-and-run incidents and, if possible, take photos of the offending vehicles. Baluja noted the absence of pedestrian pathways and encroachment of footpaths, which forces pedestrians to cross busy roads and leaves them vulnerable. For two-wheelers, the lack of dedicated lanes means they have to navigate heavy traffic, increasing risk of accidents, he added.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Incorrect signage at city crossings causes confusion
Jaipur: They tell you to read the signs. But what happens when the signs are wrong. At JDA circle, a STOP sign is at the edge of the crossing, which, as per rules, is not permissible on a crossing with traffic signals. Motorists here are faced with the STOP sign as well as the traffic light. Which signal should they follow? Rohit Baluja, president of Institute of Road Traffic Education, has worked with different traffic authorities in Jaipur. He told TOI this issue involves a legal aspect. "Just like violating a signal may lead to motorists being booked under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act, violating this STOP sign would attract the same section. In Jaipur, the authorities have simply put these signages on the important crossings. Many signages in Jaipur are wrongly placed," he said. Several traffic signages and road markings in Jaipur are faulty and may lead to traffic violations and even accidents without motorists being at fault. These signs deviate from India Road Congress standards in terms of their dimensions, shapes, colours, and placement locations. Experts point out that despite multiple attempts to bring this matter to JDA's attention, the officials there were unresponsive to their appeals and submissions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo "Most signages on Jaipur roads are in complete violation of Indian Road Congress mandates. We raised this issue at least twice during the traffic control board meeting of Jaipur Development Authority and even submitted written complaints. But, without any effect," said Neha Khullar, project director of Muskan, an NGO working on road safety. According to Section 67 (2022) of Indian Road Congress mandate, signages shall be rectangular with a blue background. On Jaipur roads, though, signages are displayed on rectangular boards with a yellow background within a circle having red borders. "Another problem is with the U-turn boards. Authorities have installed several U-turn signages on the pavements along the left side of the flank. If you intend to take a right turn from a crossing or a cut, you need to keep right. How do you expect motorists to read such signages installed on your extreme left?" asked Vikash Jaiswal, a resident of Vidhyadhar Nagar. Officials of JDA stated that separate zones recruit separate vendors to install traffic signages in the city. If there is any mistake committed, it has perhaps been committed by these vendors. "We can't conclusively state that all traffic signages are wrong or all are right. Whenever we get specific information, we verify the fact and change the signage if required," a JDA official said.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Safety first: Govt mulls mandatory ABS for all two-wheelers above 50cc
Representative image NEW DELHI: Government is considering making anti-lock braking systems (ABS) mandatory for all two-wheelers with engine capacity above 50cc. At present, ABS is only required in motorcycles over 125cc. This safety feature helps prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking, enhancing control and reducing stopping distances, especially on slippery roads. Experts from India and abroad have emphasised the need for this provision, in addition to the mandatory wearing of helmets for all two-wheeler occupants — which is currently enforced, to reduce deaths and serious injuries. Two-wheeler riders are among the most vulnerable road users after pedestrians and cyclists, as they have little to no protection. 'Since ABS has been a successful intervention to reduce the risk of road crashes and fatalities involving two-wheelers and fatalities, this should be a feature in all motorised two-wheelers above 50cc,' said David Ward of Global New Car Assessment Programme at a conference on 'Vehicle and Fleet Safety' at the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE). Safe technological systems, including ABS for all two-wheelers, cannot be ignored, he added. Road safety expert Rohit Baluja highlighted the need to include two-wheelers in transport planning since they constitute 74% of all vehicles in India and 44% people killed on roads are two-wheeler occupants. 'Today, we only talk about putting helmets on two-wheeler riders. Is the helmet the only answer? Has anyone spoken about the transportation planning to reduce the number of these two-wheelers in the country? Two-wheelers are sandwiched between other vehicles due to poor traffic and transport planning... Powered two-wheelers destroy road discipline of all users and there is a need to address their requirement while planning and building roads,' Baluja said. He added that there is a need to have dedicated driving lanes for two-wheelers. President emeritus of International Road Federation, K K Kapila, said two-wheelers are the lifeline of major cities, despite improvement in public transport, and the only solution is to find ways and means to make them safe with use of technology.
