Addicted to rash driving? May have to pay higher insurance premium

By Nitisha Kashyap

The traffic police has a unique proposal to get rid of Delhiites' love of rash
driving

Breaking traffic rules might be a regular thing for you when you're in a hurry or simply don't care. But the Delhi Traffic Police has a unique proposal to get rid of the Dilliwallah's nonchalant attitude to rules of the road of any kind. Now, something as 'simple' as jumping a red light when rushing to work might burn a hole in your pocket, as it might hike the premium you pay for your car or bike's insurance.

Citing the stringent rules in foreign countries that deter motorists from committing even minor traffic offences, the Delhi Traffic Police is going to take this proposal to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).

Further, while there was no way to find if someone was a repeat offender earlier, now, after the introduction of e-challans, the DTP has vehicle-wise and driving license (DL)-wise details of any previous offence. "In the last three-four months, there have been 15-20 offenders who have been caught seven to eight times for violating traffic rules. So, on an average, chances are, they'll break a traffic rule 20 times in a year. These offenders have been challaned for jumping red lights, for triple-riding, driving in a zig-zag manner, etc. They are a danger to their lives as well as others," said Anil Shukla, Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic).

If the DTP's proposal is approved, the data of repeat offenders can be shared with auto insurance agencies, and they can charge a higher premium from repeat offenders. "I had floated this idea to a few insurance agencies. They welcomed it, but it was done informally. I will take it up officially and the procedure will take time. But it is going to be impactful. If it will pinch your pocket, you'll be cautious enough not to break traffic rules again," said Shukla.

Giving the example of how people in other countries have a higher traffic discipline, Shukla said, "In some countries, there is a point system. Every violation leads to a deduction of 20 points or whatever the country has decided. If you jump a red light, your points are deducted twice, because you are not only endangering your life, but also others'. The moment 100 points are over, your DL is withdrawn. Nothing of this sort happens in India and therefore, people break traffic rules repeatedly. We already have this policy for commercial vehicle-drivers. Their license or permit can be withdrawn or cancelled. But for private vehicles, nothing strict happens."




Source The Times of India