Noida sees rise in wrong-side driving accidents

Noida traffic police have raised concerns about an increase in wrong-side driving at key junctions in the city. This unsafe practice is putting commuters at risk of accidents. Major areas affected include Sector 16, the Sector 12/22 road near the Botanical Garden, and the Sector 18 underpass. Many drivers engage in this behavior to save time on longer routes. Commuter Pankaj Kumar highlighted the issue, noting that wrong-side driving endangers everyone on the road. He suggested that traffic police should identify hot spots where violations are common. In response to this growing problem, traffic police are conducting operations to address wrong-side driving and other violations like riding without helmets and speeding. In the last two months, the Noida police issued over 35,000 fines for wrong-side driving. However, police officers emphasize the need for a change in driver behavior rather than just focusing on fines. They plan to file police reports against drivers caught on the wrong side of key routes, including the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Traffic data from 2024 revealed that there were 1,165 accidents in the area, resulting in 462 deaths and numerous injuries. Two-wheeler riders are particularly noted for taking the wrong lane to save time, as seen with e-rickshaw drivers at Sector 16. In a related incident, a 56-year-old man named Atul Gupta died after being hit by a speeding truck in Sector 63. The accident occurred while he was riding his scooter. Following the incident, locals grew angry and damaged the truck. Police arrived quickly and managed to prevent further damage. They have registered a case related to negligent driving.