Delhi: Wrong-side driving goes up by over 20% in city

Wrong-side driving on Delhi roads has increased by 20.63 per cent compared to last year, according to data provided by the Delhi Police.

“Last year, we sent 1,24,593 notices to individuals found violating traffic norms. This year, 1,03,283 notices have been issued for the same violation,” said a senior police officer.

The data reveals that challans for driving against the traffic flow have risen by 29 per cent since last year. From January 1 to August 31 this year, 76,849 challans were issued, compared to 59,527 during the same period last year.

The police have also observed a significant increase in drivers using mobile phones while driving. During the first eight months of the year, 19,422 challans were issued for this violation, while 32,593 challans were issued during the same period this year.

“Last year, only five notices were sent for using mobile phones while driving, while this year the number rose to 125,” the officer added.

Fatalities from road accidents have increased by four per cent compared to last year, according to statistics compiled by the Delhi Police. As of August 15 this year, there were 831 fatal accidents, a 4.01 per cent rise from 2023, which saw 799 fatal accidents during the same period. In 2022, there were 793 fatal accidents by August 15.

By the end of 2023 and 2022, fatal accident cases rose to 1,432 and 1,428, respectively.

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However, non-fatal accident cases have declined by one per cent this year. As of August 15, 2,596 such accidents were reported, compared to 2,624 in 2023. In 2022, 2,628 cases were recorded during the same period.

By the end of 2023, simple accident cases increased to 4,283, while 2022 ended with 4,132 cases.

(With inputs from PTI)