Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissionerate has intensified its efforts to curb traffic violations, focusing on the growing menace of drivers using mobile phones while driving. This initiative follows public complaints about accidents caused by distracted driving, particularly affecting senior citizens, women, and children.
Police Commissioner N Shashikumar stated that minor crashes, often unreported, result from drivers’ attention being diverted by phone usage. “As a pilot initiative, we monitored three locations in Hubballi on Saturday night. Our personnel captured violators in action, registering over 30 cases,” he said. Violators face fines of ₹1,500 for two-wheelers and up to ₹3,000 for cars and autos under the Indian Motor Vehicle Act. Parents of minors caught driving will also be held accountable.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime and Traffic, Raveesh CR, led a simultaneous awareness rally across Keshwapur, Town, Sub-Urban, and Vidyanagar areas. Over 200 cases were booked for various violations, with 102 vehicles seized for severe offences. Drivers using phones discreetly under helmets or behind closed car windows were also prosecuted. Repeat offenders risk penalties of up to ₹10,000 and imprisonment.
The drive will soon extend to public transport vehicles, targeting phone use and other violations like rash driving and overspeeding. Authorities emphasize that compliance with traffic rules is critical to ensuring road safety.
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