Wrong-way driving is a persistent traffic violation in India. In April, a widely circulated video from Bengaluru captured a confrontation between a driver who stopped to block several wrong-way vehicles, including motorcycles and cars.
While some motorcyclists turned back, others remained defiant despite the driver's pleas. Notably, the incident unfolded in front of a police station.
One commenter remarked, "This type of driving won't end anytime soon. Our city design is flawed. I've given up arguing with these people. I just smile and tell them I'm the one in the wrong. It's 99% effective." Another sarcastically wrote, "Hey buddy, the police will only stop you for not wearing a helmet. Driving against traffic seems to be acceptable in Bengaluru. Just look at the confidence of the guy in the video. Thanks to the police for normalizing this."
In early July, another Bengaluru SUV driver sparked outrage by driving against traffic. One person commented, "We need to make more of an effort to report these behaviors to the police for action. All for a mere 500 rupee (about 6 USD) fine. This won't deter them. Fines and enforcement need to be stricter." Another added, "Wrong-way driving in Bengaluru is quite common, especially at traffic lights. Delivery vehicles constantly drive against traffic, ignoring signals. It's impossible to complain because they often lack license plates."
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A man drives a motorcycle against traffic in Punekar, Maharashtra. Photo: Hindustan Times |
A man drives a motorcycle against traffic in Punekar, Maharashtra. Photo: Hindustan Times
While many drivers might downplay the severity of wrong-way driving, it's a major cause of accidents. To combat this, traffic police in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, recently conducted a 6-day crackdown, resulting in 9,377 violations and nearly 184,000 USD in fines. The campaign, which ran from 17/7 to 22/7, revealed that 90% of violations involved rickshaw drivers, followed by two-wheeler operators. A total of 133 vehicles were impounded.
Following the campaign, Joint Commissioner of Traffic N. N. Chaudhary stated, "Wrong-way driving isn't a minor offense; it's a deadly, irresponsible act. This campaign aims to improve discipline and responsibility among road users."
An officer involved in the campaign noted that many violators, particularly vehicle owners, initially offered excuses but ultimately paid the fines.
The Gujarat High Court has also taken a strong stance against wrong-way driving. Justices A. S. Supehia and R. T. Vachchani heard a contempt petition related to a 2017 traffic case involving a Tata Punch bearing a Gujarat High Court sticker caught driving against traffic. The police hesitated to act due to the court connection.
During the hearing, the justices declared, "No High Court vehicle or any high-ranking government official is exempt. We don't want that culture. There's no discrimination. The law applies to everyone. The High Court is not above the law.” A judge added, "Not even my driver. I would be the first to report him to the police. Just one incident is a stain on the proceedings."
Recently, an electric rickshaw driver traveling against traffic was killed after colliding with a car on the evening of 20/7 in Delhi. Earlier, on 2/7, a family of five, including four children aged 5 to 8, died when a truck driving against traffic on a highway to avoid tolls hit their motorcycle in Hafizpur, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh.
My Anh (Hindustan Times, TOI)
