KANNUR: The number of fatal road accident cases in Kannur has shown a declining trend in the last three months, thanks to the traffic campaigns initiated by the police department. The newly-introduced interceptor and the practice of ‘Zero hour’ have also proved successful in the drive, say the officials. However, the number of non-fatal accidents has increased, proving that actions like crackdown, especially on two-wheelers, are producing results.
It was on July 24 that the district police launched ‘Zero hour’, targeting the traffic violators. Instead of charging fines, they were forced to attend the 30-minute awareness classes arranged in the offices of the circle inspectors. When the violators were reluctant to observe the rules, they were taken to the victims of previous accidents. Now, the duration of the drive has come down, but it has proved to be effective, says district police chief Sanjay Kumar Gurudin.
“Though accidents still take place, the victims are surviving. This is due to the improved enforcement of the traffic laws. The police are strictly monitoring the motor vehicle offences like speeding, rash, negligent and drunken driving. The introduction of the interceptor was another turning point. Even the presence of the vehicle prompts the drivers to be more alert,” said Mr Gurudin. While the number of offenders charged with rash and negligent driving was 670 in July, it increased to 693 in August and 952 in September.
