Illegal Racing Rampant in Hyderabad City; Safety of Pedestrians Compromised

Hyderabad: As night falls on Hyderabad and the roads get deserted, the wide thoroughfares, a symbol of the city's growth, become a dangerous playground for thrill-seekers to gamble through illegal racing.

Hitec City, Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills, which have some of the best roads in the city, are popular for illegal racing at night. Racers take advantage of the darkness and lack of police supervision to turn the road into speed zones.

These races are harmful to its participants, but they could also put innocent bystanders and other passengers in danger. Most incidents are catastrophic and cause serious injury or death. Constant engine noise and careless driving disrupt the peace and make residents unsafe and uncomfortable in these areas.

Anjali, a night shift employee working with an IT major, said: “These reckless drivers are blocking the roads and endangering everyone. I urge authorities to take stricter action to ensure our safety. Women working late shifts, especially, are feeling very vulnerable in this situation."

Authorities are stepping up efforts on various fronts to curb the dangerous growth of illegal racings. Round-the-clock police patrols and deployment of undercover officers in unmarked vehicles in these areas will help in catching illegal racers.

"We have seized 50 bikes. The riders were from various parts of the city, including Charminar, Narsingi, Mehdipatnam, Jubilee Hills, and Banjara Hills, They were all aged above 21 years, All seized bikes were handed over to the Road Transport Authority," Raidurgam inspector Ch Venkanna told Deccan Chronicle.

Hyderabad police face a tough task in fighting the late night illegal racings. While cracking down on crime is important, authorities in Hyderabad are working on more regulations. Knowing people's desire for speed, experts are considering creating racing sites. Thrill seekers can find a legitimate outlet in this safe place and avoid public competitive situations.

Community participation is also seen as an important weapon in this war. Police hope to provide greater vigilance by working with residents. Residents can report suspicious events, such as the team changing cars at night, allowing officials to take action before the race starts.

According to Mrudula Akki, counselling psychologist, Army College of Dental Sciences, a 2013 study suggests that risk-takers were more likely to have a personality that showed traits of low conscientiousness combined with high extraversion, high neuroticism, or both. Sensation seeking need not necessarily be viewed in a negative light always.

"Thrill-seekers provide valuable lessons, such as the motivation to cultivate memorable experiences, expand one’s sense of self, and develop confidence and resilience from conquering challenges. People, who don’t over-analyse or fear uncertainty, are also more likely to take on leadership roles or respond in a crisis," she added.

Elaborating, Mrudula Akki said, “Thrill-seeking is a desire to conquer new challenges and soak up new experiences, without letting danger or right and wrong of the action determine their behaviour. Hence the risks that are inherent in certain activities do not deter or dissuade the individual from indulging in such behaviour.”

The psychologist suggested a designated area for racing with experts and emergency services on standby.