Bengaluru Faces Alarming Rise in Dangerous Lane-Surfing Trend

Bengaluru’s roads are grappling with an escalating problem: reckless lane surfing. This dangerous driving trend, where motorists swerve between lanes without signalling—often at high speeds—is turning the city’s streets into perilous zones. The surge in zig-zag driving has led to a rise in accidents and near-misses, making the already congested roads even more hazardous. Despite efforts from traffic authorities, the increasing number of cases signals a deep-rooted issue that calls for immediate intervention.

The issue of lane surfing has become particularly prominent among two-wheeler riders and young motorists who attempt to bypass traffic bottlenecks. The trend not only disrupts the flow of traffic but also drastically increases the risk of collisions, as sudden lane changes often catch other drivers off guard. In 2022, Bengaluru recorded 872 cases of zig-zag driving. While there was a noticeable drop in 2023 with only 83 cases, the problem reemerged in 2024 with 139 recorded violations. Even within the first month of 2025, 29 cases have already been filed, highlighting a growing concern.

The figures are worrying, as they reflect a clear pattern of reckless behaviour that not only jeopardises the safety of road users but also undermines the city’s efforts to improve road safety. A traffic police officer, commenting on the issue, emphasised the gravity of the situation: “Zig-zag driving is a blatant disregard for traffic rules and the safety of others. It creates chaos on the roads and can lead to head-on collisions, side-swipes, and even multi-car pile-ups.”

Technology Gaps and Civic Issues on Bengaluru’s Roads

Despite frequent crackdowns by traffic authorities, the high volume of vehicles on Bengaluru’s roads makes it difficult to monitor and penalise offenders in real time. Many drivers escape punishment due to the lack of automated detection systems, which has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current traffic enforcement mechanisms. While the city is slowly integrating technology into traffic management, more comprehensive measures are required to tackle the rampant violations. A significant issue is that offenders, particularly those with fake number plates, are often able to evade penalties, highlighting a critical gap in the city’s traffic enforcement infrastructure.

Public frustration is mounting, with residents taking to social media to express their concerns. One user pointed out the growing prevalence of traffic violations like lane-cutting and reckless overtaking. “The 30-60 minutes I spend covering a 6-kilometre stretch in Bengaluru is unbearable, especially with rowdy auto drivers cutting lanes and the constant zig-zag driving of bikes,” they wrote. Such comments reflect the daily struggles of commuters who feel unsafe and powerless against the chaotic driving behaviour that increasingly defines Bengaluru’s streets.

The Environmental and Sustainable Impact of Reckless Driving

While the immediate focus is on public safety, the rise in lane surfing also has significant implications for sustainability. Reckless driving, particularly lane weaving, disrupts the smooth flow of traffic, leading to congestion and increased emissions. When vehicles are forced to stop-and-go due to erratic drivers, fuel consumption rises, and emissions soar, exacerbating Bengaluru’s already pressing air quality issues. As one of India’s major urban centres, Bengaluru is grappling with air pollution, and any disruption in traffic flow only worsens the environmental impact.

Moreover, the dangerous driving trend discourages the adoption of more sustainable modes of transportation, such as public transit, walking, and cycling. With the roads being perceived as unsafe, many motorists continue to rely on private vehicles, which contributes to the city’s traffic woes and carbon footprint. If the trend continues, it will not only undermine the city’s efforts to improve traffic safety but also thwart its sustainability goals. Thus, addressing reckless driving is not just a matter of road safety, but also a critical issue for the city’s long-term environmental health.

The Need for Stronger Enforcement and Awareness

The rise in lane-surfing behaviour calls for a multi-faceted approach. While enforcement is key, awareness about the dangers of reckless driving must be a priority. Traffic authorities must step up their efforts to educate motorists on lane discipline, and stricter licensing systems could help instill good driving habits from the outset. Additionally, defensive driving courses could be made mandatory for young and new drivers, fostering a culture of road safety that is desperately needed in Bengaluru.

Prof MN Sreehari, an advisor to the Karnataka government for traffic and transportation, highlighted that many countries have strict lane-discipline regulations to ensure smooth traffic flow. Bengaluru must adopt similar measures and encourage drivers to respect lane boundaries and other road rules. The city’s congested roads and high accident rates are a testament to the fact that traffic management needs to evolve, with both stricter enforcement and improved driver education playing critical roles. Until the authorities, residents, and institutions collaborate to address the issue, Bengaluru’s roads will remain a perilous place for everyone.