‘Stop chasing, remove zig-zag barricades’: Karnataka Police’s new guidelines for vehicle checks after 2 deaths

Officers must abandon vehicle chases and instead record license plates and alert nearby control rooms, according to the new directive. All traffic personnel are required to wear reflective jackets and use LED batons during evening and night duties, with body-worn cameras mandatory during physical inspections.

In areas with intelligent traffic management systems, contactless enforcement takes precedence. Highway inspection drives require reflective warning cones to be placed 100-150 metres ahead to allow for adequate stopping distance. Night operations should only occur at well-lit locations, according to the new guidelines.

The DG and IGP emphasised the need to expand public awareness campaigns about traffic safety and proper road practices. Law and order police have been asked to limit nakabandis on highways and coordinate with traffic police when necessary.

On May 26, Hrithiksha, 3, a resident of Goravanahalli in Maddur taluk of Mandya district, was run over after the traffic police tried to stop the two-wheeler on which her mother and uncle were rushing her to a hospital following a dog bite.

On May 13, a speeding truck hit Ramappa Poojary, 33, a policeman with the Davanagere district armed reserve, who was checking vehicles near the toll booth on National Highway 48 in the district. The speeding lorry was attempting to escape when it hit Ramappa.