Can senior citizens, kids safely cross traffic junctions?

Nagpur: Can senior citizens safely cross a busy road or a traffic junction in Nagpur? Can a child holding their hand trust that a red signal will actually halt traffic? On the city's chaotic junctions, the answer is increasingly uncertain. For the elderly and young pedestrians, every traffic crossing is a test of reflexes, timing, and above all, luck. The fear of being run over hangs heavy as the speed monsters jump signals and zip past without caring what lies ahead.Nagpur traffic police data paints a grim picture of growing road indiscipline. In 2025 alone, 48,286 motorists were penalised for jumping traffic signals which amounts to an average of 132 violators every day. Add to that 16,333 speeding cases, or nearly 44 speedsters caught daily. Also, there's always a perennial threat from those driving on the wrong side or zipping through with no regard for lane discipline. Menacing traffic indiscipline magnifies the risk and it is starkly evident on Nagpur roads. Traffic experts concede these are only a small fraction of violators caught during enforcement drives or issued challans — the real number is much higher.
A visit to key junctions such as Variety Square, Chhatrapati Square, Kriplani Square, Rahate Colony Square, Munje Chowk, and Kachipura Square validate the data. Two-wheelers zip past seconds before signals turn red. Cars stop beyond zebra crossings (if prominently visible) blocking pedestrian paths. Bikers zigzag their way between vehicles to gain a few seconds, ignoring elderly pedestrians who are unsure and constantly on the edge.For 72-year-old Narendra Nagar resident Vikas Pethe, crossing the road becomes intimidating. "Vehicles zoom past at such speed that you can feel the vibration. Even when the signal turns red, someone tries to sneak through. For someone our age, one hit can be a death knell," he said.Anil Vaidya, another senior citizen, said children are equally vulnerable. "When I take my granddaughter out, I hold her tightly. Young riders don't slow down. Many don't even wear helmets. They behave as if they own the road," he said.Helmetless riding remains one of the most rampant violations. Nearly 6.95 lakh two-wheeler riders were challaned in 2025 — an average of 1,900 daily — accounting for 63% of 10.92 lakh total enforcement actions. Though lower than the spike of 8.92 lakh in 2024, the figure remains perilously high.Year-wise trends show signal jumping cases were 62,356 in 2023 and climbed to 64,514 in 2024 before dropping to 48,286 this year. Speeding cases declined from 22,246 in 2024 to 16,333 in 2025.However, wrong-side driving rose sharply to 10,217 cases, reflecting increasing impatience and disregard for basic norms.Retired ACP (traffic) Jameel Ahmed stressed that enforcement must be visible and consistent. "Police presence at junctions, continuous patrolling, and public awareness are critical. Parents must also intervene when youngsters treat roads like racetracks," he said.While lakhs of violators are penalised annually, the daily averages tell a harsh story — traffic violations have become routine. For a grandmother guiding her grandchild across a zebra crossing, a green signal is not a reassurance. It is a fragile hope that the approaching rider will choose responsibility over speed.