This year’s rainfall has been marred by an alarming increase in hit-and-run cases, with the tragic incident on Mumbai’s Sion–Panvel Highway serving as a grim reminder of how unsafe our roads become when rain, negligence, and speed collide.
With reduced visibility, slippery roads, and flooded underpasses, monsoons demand a heightened sense of awareness—from drivers, pedestrians, and policymakers alike.
What Happened: The Sion–Panvel Highway Case
In early July 2025, a fatal hit-and-run case on the Sion–Panvel Highway shocked the nation. A pedestrian attempting to cross the partially flooded road was struck by a speeding car and left unattended. CCTV footage revealed the car did not slow down or stop, and bystanders were hesitant to help due to the waterlogged conditions.
This isn’t a one-off case. According to NCRB data, over 30 percent of pedestrian fatalities in Indian cities occur during the monsoon months.
Why Monsoon Hit-and-Runs Are on the Rise
1. Poor Visibility: Heavy rains blur vision, fog up windshields, and reduce reaction time. Many drivers also fail to use low-beam headlights or hazard lights appropriately.
2. Waterlogging and Potholes: Sudden swerves to avoid potholes often lead to loss of vehicle control, endangering others on the road.
3. Impatient Driving: Many drivers try to speed through waterlogged roads or rush through signals before water levels rise.
4. Lack of Accountability: Low conviction rates for hit-and-run cases mean many offenders escape punishment, creating a culture of carelessness.
What Needs to Change Systemically
Better Road Design:
Cities need more visible zebra crossings, elevated pedestrian bridges, and drainage systems that actually work.
Stricter Laws:
Stricter enforcement of hit-and-run penalties during monsoon months can act as a deterrent.
Emergency Response Infrastructure:
Civic bodies should deploy more rapid-response teams in high-risk zones. Rain doesn’t wait—neither should help.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Just like helmet awareness or drink-and-drive campaigns, India needs seasonal campaigns about monsoon driving and road safety.
Rain doesn’t kill. Speed, distraction, negligence, and indifference do. With every passing monsoon, India’s roads test not just our driving skills but our humanity. The Sion–Panvel highway tragedy wasn’t just an accident—it was a preventable outcome in a system where urgency often trumps responsibility.
Staying safe this season is not just about being cautious. It’s about being conscious—of others, of conditions, and of the collective responsibility we share on the road.
