Mangaluru: In a concerted effort to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents involving two-wheelers, Mangaluru City Police conducted a week-long special enforcement drive targeting helmetless riding and wrong-side driving. The operation resulted in the registration of 1,372 cases and the collection of more than Rs 6 lakh in fines from traffic violators.
The special drive was launched in response to the increasing number of road accidents involving two-wheelers, many of which have resulted in fatalities and serious head injuries due to riders not wearing helmets. Police officials also expressed concern over the growing tendency of motorists to drive on the wrong side of roads to save time, a dangerous practice that has led to head-on collisions, risks to pedestrians and inconvenience to other road users.
Intensive enforcement across the city
As part of the operation, police teams conducted intensified checks at major junctions, suburban areas, accident-prone locations and along National Highways 66 and 169. The inspections focused on identifying traffic violations and ensuring compliance with road safety regulations.
Officials said the drive was aimed not only at penalising offenders but also at creating awareness among road users about the importance of following traffic rules and adopting safe driving practices.
Helmetless riding tops violations
During the week-long enforcement campaign, police registered 1,050 cases against two-wheeler riders for not wearing helmets. Fines amounting to Rs 4.63 lakh were collected from the offenders.
According to police, the use of helmets significantly reduces the risk of severe head injuries and fatalities in accidents. Despite continuous awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts, a considerable number of riders continue to disregard helmet regulations, putting themselves and others at risk.
The department reiterated that wearing a helmet is a mandatory safety requirement and urged riders and pillion passengers to comply with the law at all times.
Wrong-side driving remains a serious concern
The operation also detected 322 cases of wrong-side driving, with penalties totalling Rs 1.61 lakh imposed on violators.
Police said wrong-side driving has become a major safety concern as motorists often choose shortcuts to avoid traffic congestion. Such behaviour increases the likelihood of collisions, creates confusion for other road users and poses significant risks to pedestrians.
Authorities warned that strict action would continue against motorists found violating traffic regulations and emphasised the need for responsible road behaviour.
Additional highway patrol vehicle deployed
To strengthen accident response and enhance traffic enforcement on National Highway 169, police have deployed an additional highway patrol vehicle on the Bikarnakatte–Moodbidri–Beluvai Road stretch.
DCP (Crime and Traffic) Ravishankar said the newly deployed patrol unit will cover the approximately 20-kilometre stretch between Baithurli and Mijar under the jurisdiction of the Moodbidri Police Station. It will operate alongside an existing highway patrol vehicle already monitoring the route.
Both patrol vehicles will function round the clock to provide prompt accident response, promote road safety awareness, enforce traffic regulations and maintain law and order along the highway.
Continued focus on safer roads
Police officials said similar enforcement drives will continue in the future as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and reduce accident rates. Motorists have been urged to wear helmets, avoid wrong-side driving and strictly follow traffic regulations.
The latest crackdown reflects the commitment of Mangaluru City Police to enhancing road safety through a combination of strict enforcement, public awareness and improved emergency response mechanisms.