58% Hit-And-Run Victims Are Senior Citizens: DCP Matani

Time of India

5 days ago

Nagpur: A staggering 58% of hit-and-run victims in the city are senior citizens, those above the age of 60, revealed DCP (traffic) Lohit Matani on Friday. Speaking at a traffic safety event, where reflective bands and pouches were distributed to the elderly by commissioner of police Ravinder Singal, Matani emphasised the need to enhance senior citizen safety on roads.
Citing traffic analysis data, Matani said, "Most fatal accidents involving senior citizens occur before 10am, during their morning walks or commutes. Due to age-related decline in reflexes, many are unable to react swiftly to oncoming vehicles." He added that poor visibility during early morning hours further impairs drivers' ability to spot pedestrians, making reflective gear critical.
"In 2024, out of 104 pedestrian deaths, 60 were senior citizens.
This year, 51 such deaths have occurred so far, with 30 being elderly victims. Our efforts, like distributing reflective bands, are aimed at reducing these numbers," Matani said. He also highlighted the success of Operation U-Turn, stating that it has led to zero accidents at previously dangerous intersections.
Navil Kasad, a volunteer from traffic NGO Janakrosh, spoke about citizen-police collaboration. "We've been associated with the traffic department since childhood, but after retirement, Janakrosh gave us a way to contribute again.
We spread awareness that traffic rules exist for your safety — neither the police nor we gain anything from enforcing them."
Kasad also stressed that many riders wear helmets without securing the straps, which renders them ineffective in accidents. "We need defensive driving and genuine safety habits," he said.
Joint commissioner of police Navinchandra Reddy said that the department has intensified action through operations like Thunder, Shakti, and U-Turn.
"Initially, there was resistance to Operation U-Turn, but now 50–100 offenders are booked daily. Drunk driving is our main focus, as it endangers not just the driver but all road users," he said.
BOX:
Citizen Support Key to Crackdowns: CP Singal
Nagpur: Commissioner of police Ravinder Singal on Friday credited strong citizen collaboration and NGO partnerships for the success of ongoing traffic and crime crackdowns in the city.
"Whether it's humid or pouring rain, my officers stand overnight at nakabandis. We've stayed committed in all conditions," he said. He added that citizen participation had been instrumental in the massive crackdowns in Operation Thunder, which was one of the country's most extensive enforcement drives.
Singal noted that in the past 19 months, more than 600 crimes have been reduced compared to last year, and 63 fewer deaths have occurred in the last seven months alone.
"This shows we're moving in the right direction," he said.
Despite requests from clubs to avoid checkpoints, Singal said, "If you're drunk, get someone else to drive. We will continue nakabandis."
Traffic teams prepare detailed reports daily, and inputs from youth groups are also being welcomed. "Pedestrian deaths and young lives lost to rash driving are alarming. We are working with young citizens to plan awareness drives that truly benefit them," Singal added.
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