Mobile Phone Use While Riding Proves Costly; Over 12,800 Two-Wheeler Riders Fined in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Pimpri-Chinchwad:
The increasing habit of using mobile phones while riding two-wheelers has become a serious road safety concern in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Taking strict action against traffic rule violators, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Traffic Police have launched special enforcement drives across the city, penalising thousands of riders for dangerous mobile phone use while riding.

During the current year, traffic police booked 12,829 two-wheeler riders for talking on mobile phones, attending video calls, or checking messages while riding. A total fine of ₹1 crore 94 lakh 68 thousand was collected from the offenders under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

According to police data, one traffic division registered 5,258 cases, imposing fines amounting to ₹1 crore 15 lakh 37 thousand, while another traffic division booked 7,571 riders, collecting ₹79 lakh 31 thousand in penalties. These figures highlight the alarming rise in traffic violations related to mobile phone usage.

Traffic experts have repeatedly warned that using a mobile phone while riding distracts the rider’s attention from the road. It reduces the ability to judge speed, traffic signals, pedestrians, and sudden obstacles. In emergency situations, riders fail to react in time, often leading to serious accidents, permanent disabilities, or even fatalities.

Police have also observed that many riders continue talking on mobile phones even while wearing helmets, keeping phones inside helmets or using hands-free devices. Officials clarified that helmets provide protection after an accident but cannot prevent accidents caused by distracted riding.

A large number of violators were found to be young men and women, including college students and working professionals. Some riders were even caught using video calls and social media while riding, endangering not only their own lives but also those of pedestrians and other road users.

In several accident cases, injured riders or their families later admitted that the accident occurred due to mobile phone use while riding. However, by then, irreversible damage had already been done, police officials said.

Stressing the need for collective responsibility, police stated that enforcement alone is not enough. Parents, educational institutions, companies, and society must also spread awareness about traffic safety. Citizens have been urged to prioritise safety over convenience.

Additional Commissioner of Police Sarang Awad warned that strict action will continue in the coming days. Apart from heavy fines, repeat offenders may face suspension of their driving licences. He appealed to riders, especially youngsters, to stop using mobile phones while riding and help make city roads safer.