The Puducherry Traffic Police issued more than 10,000 challans for violations related to various provisions of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act during a special drive held in June to enforce traffic rules in the Union Territory (UT).

Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, D. Divya, in a release, said the special drive was conducted with the objective of promoting traffic discipline, enhancing compliance with the provisions of the MV Act, and ensuring the safety of road users. 

A total of 10,592 challans were issued during the drive held in various parts of Puducherry. Non-compliance with the helmet rule was the most common traffic violation.

Of the total challans, 6,593 were issued for riding without a helmet, followed by 3,162 for using the mobile phone while driving, 384 for drunken driving, and 232 for underage driving. Rash driving and the use of air horns accounted for 174 and 47 challans respectively, the release said.

In all the 232 cases pertaining to underage riding, the parents/guardians of the minors were summoned to traffic police stations and counselled. They were warned of the serious legal consequences involved in violating the MV Act by allowing children to operate vehicles. 

The police have registered four cases against parents for allowing minors to drive their vehicles. Parents are advised not to allow children to operate two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles to ensure the safety of their wards as well as that of other road users, the release said. 

The use of a mobile phone while driving significantly increases the risk of road accidents by diverting the driver’s attention from the road. Likewise, riding without a helmet exposes two-wheeler riders and pillion riders to the risk of fatal head injuries. Drunken driving and permitting minors to drive continue to be among the major causes of road accidents, the release said. 

The police have appealed to all motorists to wear helmets, avoid using mobile phones while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Responsible behaviour and strict adherence to traffic rules are essential for creating a safer road environment, the release stated.