Kozhikode: A sharp surge in road rage incidents over the past few months has pushed law enforcement into crisis mode, with police and enforcement squads under pressure to tighten ground-level interventions.

Complaints from both urban and rural pockets suggest that even trivial road disputes are spiraling into shocking episodes of violence.

One disturbing case unfolded at Kallummel near Valayam, where a car carrying a family, including a seven-month-old infant, reportedly brushed against an SUV.

What followed was a mob-style assault — over 15 men allegedly dragged the family out of their vehicle and attacked them. The infant sustained a minor eye injury after the windshield shattered.

A few kilometres away, another family on their way to a wedding was allegedly targeted in a similar clash. Police have already booked 10 accused in connection with that case.

Other incidents across the district have also raised red flags: a civil defence volunteer was beaten up in Naduvattam, while a private bus driver high on ganja was arrested for reckless driving.

“Such outbreaks point to a breakdown in road discipline,” a Deputy Superintendent of Police who has been part of multiple traffic reforms in Kozhikode told The Hindu.

He noted that aggression after minor collisions, group retaliation, and impaired driving are among the most common triggers. According to him, the absence of digital proof often leaves officers struggling to determine how each clash actually began.

Data from the State Crime Records Bureau paints a troubling contrast — while road accident fatalities have dropped by 10% compared to 2023, cases of road rage have risen steeply.

Officials hinted that compiled figures will soon be made public, underscoring the urgency of action. The Motor Vehicles Department, too, has flagged concerns.

“We are conducting field inspections and monitoring buses under suspicion. However, enforcement alone cannot solve this without public cooperation,” a senior officer revealed to The Hindu. 

Meanwhile, the State-level Road Accident Action Forum argues that systemic gaps are worsening the situation. They highlight delays in installing cameras at sensitive points and slow response times when incidents occur.

Manoj Babu, a retired traffic officer who pioneered several model projects in Kozhikode, stressed the need for a joint roadmap.

“We need enforcement squads, civic authorities, and the public to work together. Traffic density is rising, and unless we rework strategies with preventive measures, road rage will keep escalating,” he cautioned.