Date:27/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/27/stories/2006082717190600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Dazzling headlamps major cause of accidents

K.T.Sangameswaran

Police recommend cancellation of driving licences, lorry permits

CHENNAI : As the police drive against Motor Vehicles Act violations on National and State Highways and district roads continues, officers claim that the exercise has brought down the number of accidents in July compared to June. Besides strict enforcement of the legislation, the police are now recommending to the transport department cancellation of driving licences, and permits in the case of lorries.

A senior police officer told The Hindu that the total number of fatal accidents had come down to 830 in July from 913 in June, accidents in which grievous injuries were caused to 340 from 433 and simple injuries mishaps to 2,901 from 3,249.

A total of 4,487 persons lost their lives in road accidents in the State from January to May this year. About 23,300 persons sustained simple injuries and 3,115 grievous injuries.

In the wake of increasing road accidents causing concern to the authorities and the public, the police headquarters issued instructions to the subordinate officers in the districts to effectively enforce provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

One of the main causes of accidents, it was pointed out, was the use of dazzling lights.

Police sources said 3,19,674 cases were booked (excluding Chennai) for various offences in the last three months, of which 1,99,245 were for using powerful lights. Based on the recommendations of police , the transport department had cancelled 33 driving licences. District Collectors had cancelled lorry permits in 10 cases.

With a view to create greater awareness on road safety among lorry drivers, 181 meetings were organised in the north, south, west and central police zones.