55% of cars drivers use mobile phone while driving in Ahmedabad: Study

AHMEDABAD: About 61% of Amdavadis take lead in violating traffic norms such as helmets, seat belts, wrong side and over-speeding among others in busy roads followed by Surat (45%), Rajkot (39%) and Baroda (28%), reveals a recent study conducted by apex industry body Assocham.
The statistics give a more shocking picture of the situation in Ahmedabad.Bhagyesh Soneji, chairperson of Assocham Gujarat Council said, “Over 65% of two-wheeler riders followed by 55% of cars drivers use mobile phones, text and listen to music while driving in Ahmedabad roads.”
In Ahmedabad, traffic violations vary with the size and type of vehicles such as two-wheelers (67%) are least concerned and respectful towards traffic rules and regulations followed by cars (58%), private buses (53%), heavy vehicles (49%) and three-wheelers (25%), reveal the findings of the study.
According to the survey, more than 55% of the people talk on the phone while driving, more than 50% of Amdavadis drive on wrong side, more than 68.5% drive without helmets.
The study revealed that men are more likely to over-speed than women and that the traffic norms were mostly violated in the absence of Traffic Police officials, adds the survey.
In 2014, as many as 22,493 roads accidents reported in Ahmedabad followed by Surat (16,456), Rajkot (10,246) and Baroda (8,566) fatal accidents, adds the paper. The main causes of death and injury on roads remain speeding; drink driving, non-wearing of seat-belts etc.