Infrastructure Issues:
Poor Signage:
Many key intersections and flyovers lack proper signage, causing confusion and wrong-side driving, experts say.
Lack of Footpaths:
Pedestrian infrastructure, like footpaths, is often lacking, particularly on wide, signal-free roads, making it unsafe for pedestrians.
Unmaintained Roads:
Some roads have drainage issues, open drains, and are dusty, further contributing to unsafe conditions.
Lack of Proper Planning:
The city’s development lacks proper planning, leading to traffic congestion and unsafe conditions.
Driver behaviour and education
Reckless Driving Habits:
Overspeeding:
Overspeeding is a major cause of accidents, accounting for a significant percentage of crashes, deaths, and injuries.
Disregard for Traffic Rules:
Many drivers disregard traffic rules, including using mobile phones while driving, drunk driving, and failing to wear seatbelts or helmets.
Wrong-Side Driving:
Confusion at unmarked intersections and a lack of signage lead to drivers taking wrong turns and then driving on the wrong side of the road to correct their mistake.
Enforcement and Response
Inadequate Enforcement:
While enforcement efforts are intensifying, some argue that fines alone are not enough to deter reckless driving.
Lack of Road Safety Education:
Education and training for drivers, especially for amateur drivers, are lacking, contributing to accidents.
Neglect of the “E” of Education:
Naresh Raghavan, who has written a book on road safety measures, said that while Engineering, Emergency Response and Enforcement have seen significant improvements, the “E” of Education, which is also the foundation, remains neglected.
Lack of reliable public transportation:
Even in existing Bus and Metro services given the population in Hyderabad they are always crowded and the metro has last mile connectivity issues, making them inconvenient and un-reliable.
