Fri Jun 27 16:08:27 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Hyderabad Grapples with Surge in Fatal Self-Skid Accidents; Reckless Driving and Helmet Non-Use Blamed**
**Hyderabad, June 27, 2025** – The Rachakonda Commissionerate is facing a growing crisis of road safety, with a significant increase in self-skid accidents contributing to a high number of fatalities in the first half of 2025. According to figures released today, the Commissionerate recorded 1,822 road accidents between January and June, resulting in 363 deaths and 1,657 injuries.
Commissioner G. Sudheer Babu expressed serious concern over the spike in self-skid crashes, citing reckless and drunk riding, compounded by the alarming rate of helmet non-usage, as primary factors. “We are seeing a disturbing trend of riders losing control, often due to intoxication or speeding, and failing to protect themselves with helmets,” he stated.
This year, self-skid accidents jumped to 140, claiming 112 lives and causing 45 injuries, compared to 96 accidents with 77 deaths and 53 injuries in the same period last year. In 2023, there were only 94 self-skid accidents, causing 63 deaths. Authorities particularly highlighted the “abysmal” rate of helmet compliance in rural areas.
In response, the Rachakonda Traffic Police have implemented immediate corrective measures. Riders caught without helmets will now be required to purchase and wear one on the spot, a move aimed at fostering lasting behavioral change and preventing head injuries. Enforcement is also being intensified at accident hotspots and major junctions. Repeat offenders will face stricter penalties. The AI-driven Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) is being used to detect and issue e-challans to traffic violators.
Beyond enforcement, the Traffic Training Institute (TTI) has significantly ramped up its awareness campaigns. Since January, they’ve conducted 2,100 programs reaching nearly 70,000 people, including students, drivers, and delivery personnel. These sessions include live demonstrations, testimonials from accident survivors, and interactive activities designed to reinforce traffic rules and safety practices.
The police are amplifying their message through posters, videos, pamphlets, and social media. These efforts are backed by coordinated campaigns from other departments, including Law & Order, Crime, She Teams, and the IT Cell. The ultimate aim is to reduce accidents, deaths, and injuries on Rachakonda roads.
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