Rash driving, poor visibility trigger road accidents in Araku Valley

Heavy footfall, rash driving, particularly by two-wheelers, on ghat roads has led to many road accidents in recent weeks in the Agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju district, causing serious concern among the police and local authorities.

Following a recent fatal accident at Maredumilli, restrictions were imposed on vehicle movement along ghat roads during night hours, as dense fog and overspeeding were identified as key factors. However, despite the night-time curbs, accidents continue to be reported in the early morning hours as well, when visibility remains poor due to fog and drivers tend to speed on relatively empty roads.

In the last one week alone, three road accidents were reported under the Araku Police Station limits, resulting in the death of three individuals. This apart, another road accident occurred under Hukumpeta Police Station limits killing a 20-year-old youth. A number of youth have been travelling between Araku, Paderu, Chintapalli, Vanjangi exploring the locations which have been recording single digit temperatures.

Police officials say over-speeding, negligent driving on sharp curves, violation of traffic rules, lack of proper sleep and the possible involvement of drunken driving are emerging as major causes behind the accidents in the region.

In response to the accidents and keeping in view the heavy inflow of tourists, Araku police led by Circle Inspector L. Himagiri and Sub-Inspector G. Gopalarao launched an innovative traffic awareness and enforcement drive recently. As part of the initiative, the police conducted intensive vehicle checks along the ghat road, particularly focusing on helmet usage and safe driving practices. Stoppers were arranged at various places to arrest the speed of the vehicles. During the police drive, motorists riding without helmets were imposed fines, while those who followed the rules were encouraged by giving them flowers.

A senior police officer from the Agency said that we have notice that many youth are driving their vehicles in a drowsy state which is one of the reason for the multiple accidents in the area. Additionally, even in the mornings, the villages are engulfed in thick fog. People should not drive or overspeed under any circumstances.