Chennai: Accident numbers have declined on roads within Chennai city limits, whereas corridors in Tambaram pose a higher risk for motorists. Police data show that 1,190 casualties were recorded in Chennai (721 injured and 469 deaths), while Tambaram recorded 2,171 casualties (1,686 injuries and 485 deaths) in 2025. The year before, 2,612 casualties were recorded in Chennai (2,093 injuries and 519 deaths) while Tambaram recorded 2,130 casualties (1,624 injuries and 506 deaths).Of the accidents recorded within Tambaram police limits, nearly 95% involved rash and negligent driving. Police said that last year, enforcement teams filed close to 29,000 cases against motorists for overspeeding, but collisions continue along highway corridors passing through Tambaram.“In 2025, we registered 4.4 lakh cases for traffic violations, including overspeeding, riding without helmets, drunken driving and signal jumping. Despite installing 120 barricades and deploying 26 motorcycle-mounted traffic marshals to curb speeding, some motorists continue to drive recklessly,” says Samai Singh Meena, deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Tambaram.Six highway corridors run through the Tambaram police limits: GST Road, 200 Feet Radial Road, Puzhal Bypass, Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and East Coast Road (ECR). A police review identified OMR having the highest number of accident hotspots. Junctions at Sholinganallur, Navalur, Siruseri and Padur account for several fatal incidents.Metro rail and sewer works are underway along several stretches, with barricades narrowing the carriageway and footpath space. S Dinesh, a Sholinganallur resident, said, “Many crashes occur when two-wheeler riders try to pass buses or trucks and either skid or fall under the vehicle.”Police also said, despite marked pedestrian crossings, road users often cross at other points, leading to collisions. Officers added that night traffic increased as workers from the IT corridor travel for refreshments after shifts, and several recent crashes involved such movement. ECR stretch ranks second on the list of accident-prone locations, with overspeeding rampant at night. “Previously, automatic vehicle speed detection cameras identified rash driving and offenders were fined through e-challans. This system now became defunct,” said G Ravichandran, a Panaiyur resident.Vandalur-Kelambakkam Road corridor also entered the list of accident-prone stretches. The road links bus routes serving educational institutions and factories on the outskirts, and junctions at Melkottaiyur, Pudupakkam signal, Mambakkam signal and Kandigai bus stop.Urban planner Suresh Menon said improving road design and stringent police enforcement measures alone may not reduce crashes. “As the city expands and suburban corridors grow, traffic density will increase. Without a change in driving behaviour, especially among youth, the toll may continue to rise. Many motorists accelerate on open stretches to recover time lost in congestion, making enforcement a key deterrent.““In 2025, we registered 4.4 lakh cases for traffic violations, including overspeeding, riding without helmets, drunken driving and signal jumping. Despite installing 120 barricades and deploying 26 motorcycle-mounted traffic marshals to curb speeding, some motorists continue to drive recklessly,” says Samai Singh Meena, deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Tambaram.
