A series of fatal road accidents in the early hours of the day on the city roads in Visakhapatnam has raised serious concerns over road safety. In July alone, as many as nine persons lost their lives and two others sustained grievous injuries in four separate accidents, most of which occurred between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Police officials attribute the accidents primarily to over-speeding and drivers falling asleep at the wheel.On July 1, two brothers, aged 28 and 29, were killed when a speeding APSRTC bus allegedly rammed into their motorcycle on the Vadlapudi bridge near Duvvada. The brothers were returning to Akkayyapalem from Anakapalli when the accident occurred.The very next day, on July 2, another fatal accident took place at Kurmannapalem. A speeding car travelling from Anakapalli veered off the road and plunged into a roadside stream during the early hours. While one woman died on the spot, another succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment.On July 19, four persons were killed after the car in which they were travelling in rammed into a lorry near Sattaravu Junction in Anandapuram on NH-16. Another occupant sustained grievous injuries and was admitted to hospital.The latest accident occurred on July 22, when a speeding concrete mixer lorry rammed into a stationary vehicle on NH-16 near Akkayyapalem. The impact struck two workers who were unloading goods from another vehicle. One worker, aged around 30, died on the spot, while the other suffered critical injuries.According to police, all four accidents occurred in the early morning hours. Preliminary investigations point to over-speeding and driver fatigue as the likely causes.“In general, the period between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. is one of the most dangerous times for driving. Drivers tend to become drowsy during these hours, increasing the risk of accidents. That is why we conduct ‘Stop & Wash Face’ awareness programmes at various locations to encourage motorists to take breaks before continuing their journey,” a senior traffic police officer said.The officer added that deserted highways also tempts motorists to drive at high speeds in an attempt to reach their destinations before traffic begins.To curb speeding, the city police have installed speed-calming measures at several entry points to the city, including at Lankelapalem, Kurmannapalem, Duvvada, Anandapuram and other places. Police personnel also conduct regular vehicle checks and interact with drivers to ensure they are fit to continue their journey, especially bus drivers, the police said, adding that despite these measures, some continue to drive at high-speeds. Steps are also being taken to ensure heavy vehicles are not parked at no-parking spots.Commuters from the city also express concern over the rash driving of heavy vehicles during night hours. They point out that APSRTC buses, private buses, container lorries and other heavy vehicles are frequently seen speeding and overtaking dangerously within city limits, posing a serious threat to other road users, particularly two-wheeler riders. Such incidents are reportedly common on the stretches between NAD Junction and Duvvada, and between Kommadi and Tagarapuvalasa, where heavy vehicles often travel at high speeds during the night.Residents have urged the police to intensify enforcement against over-speeding and dangerous overtaking by heavy vehicles during night and early morning hours. Published - July 22, 2026 08:06 pm IST