Thiruvananthapuram: Accidents are steadily rising in the city, driven by over-speeding of vehicles and reckless drivers. The police and the Motor Vehicles Department, meanwhile, stand accused of being passive spectators. 

In just two months, two pedestrians have been fatally knocked down by buses. The most recent victim was Geetha, 61, who died in front of the Secretariat. The accident occurred when a bus stopped in front of the Secretariat, where there is no designated bus stop.

In the past four months, eight people have lost their lives along the Kazhakkoottam–Thiruvalla Bypass, while another 30 sustained injuries in accidents both major and minor. Two-wheeler riders, followed closely by pedestrians, form the majority of casualties.

The failure of enforcement officials to penalise vehicles flouting traffic signals is worsening the situation. Buses halting on zebra crossings have also become a common sight. Ove-rspeeding remains the chief killer of pedestrians, while poor street lighting continues to contribute to night-time accidents. Street racing further compounds the danger, with even those walking on footpaths or zebra lines no longer safe.

Derailing reforms
Although the police and the Motor Vehicles Department periodically announce traffic reforms to curb accidents, implementation remains elusive. At junctions without traffic signals, police personnel are often absent as no officials are  available to regulate traffic nor assist pedestrians to cross.

While a foot overbridge exists at East Fort, most pedestrians avoid using it. At the North bus stand near Pazhavangady Temple, the road has been encroached upon by buses parked haphazardly.

While the law stipulates motorists to stop if pedestrians are even about to step onto the zebra crossing. However, at East Fort, this rule is routinely ignored. Despite the presence of traffic police, their services are often unavailable during emergencies such as accidents or severe traffic jams.

Bike racing groups pose threat
Certain groups engage in dangerous bike racing on public roads to create reels for social media. A fortnight ago, police seized six bikes belonging to such groups during a night inspection along All Saints and the Bypass roads. Of these, four were found to have been illegally modified.

Stunts by bike racers are common during mornings and evenings along Chakka, Muttathara and Vazhamuttam on the bypass. They often ride at dangerous speeds and generate deafening noise.