Chennai, India, has achieved a significant milestone in road safety, marking a 10-day streak of zero accidents involving two-wheelers. This accomplishment is the result of focused efforts by the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP), who have implemented a comprehensive 20-day zero accident day (ZAD) campaign launched on August 5th.
The campaign has yielded impressive results. Two-wheelers, which constitute nearly 45% of accidents in Chennai annually, have been the target of the GCTP’s enforcement and awareness initiatives. On average, police have booked 5,000 cases per day for helmet violations, overspeeding, and wrong-side driving, leading to a dramatic increase in helmet compliance among riders, now reaching 95%. This, combined with the increased police presence on the roads 24/7, has resulted in a noticeable decrease in accidents linked to rash driving.
Beyond traffic enforcement, the GCTP has identified and addressed key contributors to road congestion. They have identified 110 bus stops where auto drivers routinely park their vehicles, obstructing traffic flow. To address this, police have removed these autos, filing six to eight cases against auto drivers at each location on a daily basis. Notably, 50% of the cases filed against auto drivers involve violations related to unauthorized entry.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve road safety in Chennai. The GCTP has also implemented a system to highlight accident-prone zones using bright yellow circles, accompanied by illustrations of accidents and relevant legal codes. This initiative, currently applied to 156 locations, has effectively enhanced driver awareness and contributed to a reduction in accidents.
The success of the GCTP’s campaign demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-pronged approach to road safety. By combining targeted enforcement, awareness campaigns, and addressing specific problem areas, Chennai has made significant strides in reducing two-wheeler accidents, setting a positive example for other cities to emulate.
