Hefty Fines and New Measures as Pune Battles Road Safety Issues

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pune, 1st June 2024: After Pune’s Kalyani Nagar Porsche incident, where a minor allegedly drunk killed two young IT engineers due to speeding, the nation’s focus has turned to the case. Even minor accidents, like the Wakad collision where a minor hit a parked car, are gaining attention. Serious incidents, such as the Shirur accident where a girl fatally struck a two-wheeler, killing one and injuring another, and the Wakad Thar case, where a pedestrian died on the spot, are also in the spotlight.

Surprisingly, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) claims that the rate of accidents this year, from January to May, is lower than the same period last year. According to Pune RTO Sanjeev Bhor, accidents have decreased by 16% in the first five months of 2024 compared to 2023. The number of accidents was highest in 2022, but 2023 saw a 2.8% decrease. Pune RTO’s jurisdiction ranked 14th in Maharashtra out of 50 RTOs last year, but this year, it has improved to 40th place.

Pune Rural had many accident cases, with media reports claiming it ranked first in Maharashtra. However, Bhor clarified that data discrepancies inflated these figures by including past incidents. To reduce accidents, the Pune RTO provided crucial insights during a road safety meeting with the Pune District Collector. This collaboration led to road repairs, divider repairs, improved traffic signals, zebra crossings, and the removal of encroachments and blind spots on major highways and roads in Pune. These changes have resulted in a lower accident rate and overall improvements.

Bhor said, “Accident rates have decreased this year. However, due to the Kalyani Nagar Porsche incident, which received much attention, people think accidents are increasing. We have implemented road safety measures to curb accident rates and hope to provide safe roads for Pune citizens.”

Traffic Offenders Hit with Hefty Fines

The Pune RTO has taken strict actions against traffic rule violators and created flying squads to enforce these rules. Common violations include speeding, running red lights, not wearing seatbelts, using mobile phones while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to signal when turning, tailgating, and ignoring stop signs and pedestrian crossings. Since the start of this year, actions against approximately 5,000 violations have taken place, resulting in fines totalling over Rs 13,00,000.

52 Drunk Drivers Punished in 10 Days

Drinking and driving is a major problem worldwide. The Kalyani Nagar Porsche incident occurred due to this issue, where the minor accused was allegedly drunk and speeding, resulting in two deaths. In response, the Pune RTO has become more vigilant. The Porsche vehicle was also unregistered with the RTO. Since May 22nd, actions have been taken against 52 drunk drivers, 11 unregistered vehicles, and 2 underage drivers. The Pune RTO stated that drunk driving cases will be sent to court, and Driver Licenses (DL) will be suspended for 180 days. Underage driving cases will also be sent to court, and in unregistered vehicle cases, notices will be issued to the concerned dealer for suspension of the trade certificate.