In a concerning report, road accidents in Jammu have caused 88 deaths and over 1,000 injuries within the first seven months of 2023. The Traffic Police Rural Jammu highlighted the urgency of the situation following a review of accident statistics from four districts: Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch. The alarming figures come as the police launched a special drive targeting traffic violations, especially those involving two-wheelers, which contributed to 44% of the total accidents.
The accident analysis, conducted from January to July, recorded 699 accidents across these districts. Two-wheelers were involved in 309 of these incidents, with 39 resulting in fatalities. Approximately 384 individuals suffered injuries in accidents involving two-wheelers, showcasing a troubling trend in road safety.
To combat this trend, Traffic Police Rural Jammu implemented an awareness-cum-enforcement campaign from September 1 to 14. This initiative aimed to enhance road safety awareness and clamp down on two-wheeler violations. As part of this drive, the police issued a staggering 8,675 traffic challans.
According to a spokesperson for the department, the drive revealed significant discrepancies in road safety adherence. A majority of the violations included 5,767 riders caught without helmets, 1,152 pillion riders penalized for similar violations, and 1,106 instances of triple riding. Furthermore, 188 riders faced penalties for using mobile phones while driving, and 260 riders for reckless driving.
The traffic police also seized 187 vehicles for various offenses during the special drive. This rigorous enforcement of traffic regulations aims to curb the rising incidents of reckless driving and fatalities on the roads.
A pivotal aspect of the campaign focused on educating the public. The police conducted 267 awareness programs at schools, libraries, and other public spaces, targeting youth and educating them about the critical nature of road safety and provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. This initiative was part of an integrated strategy to ensure that road safety goes hand in hand with enforcement.
In light of these efforts, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Farooq Qaiser, announced plans for continuous enforcement drives. Future campaigns will focus on various categories of vehicles, including Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), reflecting an ongoing commitment to improve road safety in Jammu.
Qaiser urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic laws and highlighted that violations would lead to stringent penalties. “Our primary goal is public safety, and we will not hesitate to enforce the law against those who endanger themselves and others on the road,” he asserted.
The data indicates that a troubling 27% of accident victims were under the age of 26, suggesting that younger drivers may require additional targeted interventions. The prevalence of two-wheeler accidents is particularly alarming on National Highways, where 102 of the reported accidents were linked to two-wheeler use.
Overall, the roads of Jammu reveal a dire need for improved safety measures and greater public awareness. The alarming statistics serve as a wake-up call for all road users to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic regulations.
