In a decisive move to enhance road safety, newly appointed Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) M.A. Saleem has instructed police personnel across the State to stop conducting random vehicle checks without valid reasons. The directive, issued on Saturday, May 31, comes in the wake of two recent tragic incidents linked to such checks.
In Mandya on May 26, a toddler was killed and a couple injured while trying to evade a random traffic stop. In another case from Davangere on May 13, a constable was fatally hit by a speeding goods vehicle attempting to avoid a check. DGP Saleem said these incidents highlighted the failure of traffic police to adopt preventive and safety measures, thereby endangering both themselves and the public.
The DGP has now mandated that traffic checks be carried out only when there are visible violations. He specifically ordered police not to attempt to stop fast-moving vehicles or conduct such checks on highways unless absolutely necessary. For planned inspection drives, police must place reflective rubber cones 100 to 150 metres in advance to allow vehicles sufficient time to slow down.
Further, Saleem banned the use of zigzag barricades and the practice of snatching keys or pulling riders or pillion passengers off two-wheelers. Law and order police have also been advised to avoid nakabandis (roadblocks) on highways and instead coordinate with traffic police when needed.
Additional safety protocols were outlined, including mandatory use of reflective jackets and LED batons during evening and night checks. Physical inspections must be recorded using body-worn cameras, and special drives should take place in well-lit areas.
Emphasizing the importance of contactless enforcement, Saleem instructed officers to avoid chasing violators. Instead, they should record registration numbers and alert control rooms. In areas equipped with Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), he urged police to rely on technology for enforcement.