In a major crackdown highlighting a severe threat to pedestrian safety, authorities in Kochi have registered a staggering number of violations against motorists ignoring zebra crossing rules. The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in Ernakulam found 833 vehicles flouting zebra crossing regulations in the month of November alone, exposing a widespread disregard for basic road safety norms.
City Limits Become Hotspots for Violations
The enforcement drive, conducted primarily within the bustling limits of Kochi city, revealed that the majority of offenders were drivers of four-wheelers. The most common infraction was the failure to slow down and stop at least three meters away from the crossing when pedestrians were waiting to cross. Many vehicles were even found stopping directly over the designated stop line, completely obstructing the pedestrian path.
This targeted action by the MVD follows a recent directive from the Kerala High Court, which mandated strong measures against drivers who endanger pedestrians. Cases have been officially registered under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, pertaining to dangerous driving, which carries a monetary penalty. The final decision on punishments in these cases now rests with the courts.
Experts Demand Infrastructure Overhaul and Stringent Fines
An MVD official involved in the drive stated that a persistent hesitation among drivers to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings was clearly observed. The official emphasized that the state needs to establish more effective pedestrian crossing facilities and ensure strict adherence to the stopping distance rule. "We have been asked to continue with the drive until the government comes up with strict measures in this direction," the official added.
Transport and road safety expert Adarshkumar Nair argues that a comprehensive change is needed, targeting both rule-ignoring drivers and jaywalking pedestrians. He points to unique challenges like high population density and destination-driven driving attitudes. "People who violate rules here go abroad and follow rules in every stratum. It is because of the fear of hefty fines," Nair noted, advocating for immediate action against violators alongside infrastructure improvements.
A Matter of Life and Death: The Speed Factor
Nair issued a grave warning linking vehicle speed directly to pedestrian fatality rates. Citing studies, he explained that the human body can typically endure an impact from a vehicle traveling at only about 20 km/h. If a vehicle hits a pedestrian at 50 km/h, the chance of fatality skyrockets to 85%. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need to calm traffic and enforce speed limits near crossings.
He proposed a focused, long-term enforcement strategy, stating that if the government rigorously prioritizes pedestrian and two-wheeler safety for the next three years, a drastic change in driver habits could be achieved. The consensus among officials and experts is clear: protecting pedestrians on Kochi's roads requires a dual approach of stringent, fear-inducing enforcement and a significant upgrade to road infrastructure to make crossings safer and more visible.
