Reckless Riding Kills Youths On Kurnool Roads

In Kurnool city, bikers are frequently seen riding in the wrong direction even on NH-44 and other busy roads. Traffic police take action when it comes to serious violations, while wrong-side riding and other unsafe practices often go unchecked.

This lax enforcement has resulted in a growing number of two-wheeler accidents.

Across Kurnool district, deaths of two-wheeler riders due to road accidents are increasing every year. Excessive speed, failure to wear helmets, and risky riding behaviour are cited as the main reasons.

Official estimates show more than four lakh two-wheelers are plying on the district’s roads, with nearly two lakhs operating in Kurnool city alone. Many youths, riding high-end motorcycles at high speed, lose control and become victims of fatal accidents.

Police records show that dangerous practices such as overspeeding, using mobile phones while riding, drunk driving, triple riding, and wrong-side riding are major causes of accidents.

A large share of road accidents in the district involves two-wheelers, and most of the victims are youths below the age of 40, leaving families dependent on them devastated.

From January to November this year, the district reported 666 road accidents, in which 307 people were killed and 745 injured. Of these, 353 accidents involved two-wheelers, leading to the deaths of 151 young riders and injuries to 369 others. Police believe that several minor accidents go unreported.

A major incident in October within the Ulindakonda police station limits highlighted the dangers of reckless riding. Two youths riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol lost control and fell on the road. While the rider died on the spot, the fallen motorcycle was hit by a private bus, triggering a fire that claimed the lives of 19 passengers.

Police data also show a consistent pattern of accidents throughout the current year, with 62 cases in January, 73 in February, 64 in March, 73 in April, 63 in May and 67 in June. While the overall number of accidents in the district fell by 25 per cent in 2024 compared to 2022, two-wheeler accidents continue to remain alarmingly high.

A senior traffic official said negligence and over speeding, especially among youths and minors, are the primary reasons for the rise in two-wheeler accidents. He admitted that despite booking cases for over speeding and reckless driving, there has been little change in rider behaviour, calling for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness to prevent further loss of lives.

Analysis:

From January to November this year, the district recorded 666 road accidents, resulting in 307 deaths. Of these, 353 accidents involved two-wheelers, which claimed the lives of 151 young riders.