Hyderabad: Hyderabad witnessed a sharp surge in traffic violations in 2025, with helmetless riding emerging as the most alarming trend. Cases jumped 61 per cent, rising from 25.62 lakh in 2024 to 41.28 lakh in 2025, signaling a growing disregard for road safety norms. Mobile phone usage while driving also saw a steep rise, from 86,093 to 1.26 lakh cases, while wrong-side driving increased from 4.65 lakh to 6.07 lakh. Over-speeding, dangerous driving, and seatbelt violations nearly doubled, highlighting persistent risky behavior on city roads. Despite this record-breaking flouting of rules, Hyderabad recorded a 12 per cent decline in overall accidents.

Total accidents fell from 3,058 in 2024 to 2,679 in 2025, with non-fatal accidents dropping from 2,772 to 2,392 and injuries reducing from 3,393 to 2,950. Police attribute this paradox to visible enforcement, rapid medical response, and technology-driven monitoring. However, fatalities remained largely unchanged, with 294 deaths in 2025 compared to 301 the previous year, underlining the life-threatening nature of traffic violations. Authorities also reported a decline in drunken driving cases from 59,572 to 49,732, generating fines worth Rs 104.6 crore and leading to 3,185 arrests. Traffic police emphasized that while enforcement and technological measures improve compliance, lasting safety depends on civic responsibility. Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar urged motorists: “Follow traffic rules, wear helmets, buckle up, and avoid distractions. Your family needs you to come home safe.”