Report: Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, May 06: Each passing day across the Kashmir valley witnesses heartbreaking tragedies as young lives are lost to road accidents, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.
The region has seen a disturbing surge in road mishaps, leading to a profound outcry for accountability and a robust overhaul of traffic management practices.
Commuters, reeling from the lack of road safety measures and the alarming speed of vehicles, are unequivocally “blaming authorities for failing to curb the escalating fatalities”.
In a recent devastating incident on Sunday, a Young motorcyclist succumbed to a fatal collision in central Kashmir’s Srinagar district, leaving his pillion rider injured.
According to reports, the accident unfolded at D 27 near Gowhar Chowk when an unidentified truck collided with the motorcycle, further underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.
Tragically, this incident echoes a string of similar tragedies that have plagued the valley in recent times.
Just days prior, two siblings met a tragic end after being struck by a truck in Khudwani along the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in South Kashmir’s Kulgam.
Similarly, as per reports a minor boy lost his life, while two others, including a woman, sustained injuries in a road mishap in the Delina area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on the same fateful Friday evening.
As the toll of lives lost to road accidents continues to mount, questions loom large about the root causes and potential solutions to stem the tide of fatalities.
Despite clear directives from the traffic police mandating helmet use for two-wheeler riders, compliance remains lax, with many flouting these rules with impunity.
Demands for a comprehensive crackdown on violators and a more proactive stance from traffic authorities reverberate across the valley.
Adding to the chorus of concerns among the people is the absence of speed checks on roads, especially within Srinagar city limits.
“Unlike other states where strict speed regulations are rigorously enforced, the valley seems to lag behind in this crucial aspect of road safety,” Mohmmad Aslam a senior citizen of Srinagar said.
Citizens lament the apparent disregard for passenger vehicle speed limits, with reckless driving being cited as a significant contributing factor to the escalating accident rate.
Urgent appeals are made to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the Traffic Police to take decisive steps to avert further tragedies.
However while authorities have issued regulations like mandatory helmet use for two-wheelers, compliance remains an issue. Some individuals flout these directives, putting their lives and others at risk.
Moreover, concerns are raised about the lack of speed regulations for passenger vehicles like tippers and Sumos. Many believe that excessive speed often contributes to these accidents.
Such incidents have become all too common, prompting a dire need for preventive measures. Commuters demand rigorous enforcement by the traffic police, urging them to crack down on violators and impose severe penalties.
Increased awareness campaigns and on-the-spot counseling sessions are advocated to promote responsible driving habits and ensure strict adherence to traffic rules.
As the region grapples with the staggering toll of road accidents, the imperative for immediate action cannot be overstated. Beyond enforcement, a holistic approach that addresses deficiencies, educates road users, and fosters a collective commitment to safety is paramount. Only through concerted efforts can the Kashmir valley hope to avert further tragedies and pave the way for safer roads for all its inhabitants.
Meanwhile a senior traffic police official reaffirmed the department’s relentless commitment to enforcing traffic regulations.
“Our duty involves both taking action against violators and educating drivers about safe driving practices,” the official insisted not to be named,said.
“Measures targeting underage driving and rash driving are underway, with specialized equipment like ‘Speed Radar Guns’ deployed to monitor vehicle speeds. While our traffic officers diligently monitor streets for violations, it’s impossible for us to cover every corner. Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of drivers to prioritize safety and prevent accidents.”
He emphasized the department’s strict stance on visible violations such as driving without seat belts, helmets, using phones while driving, and over speeding. “We are unwavering in our determination to prevent traffic violations and safeguard pedestrians’ lives,” he asserted. “Collaboration with stakeholders is crucial to ensure widespread compliance and enhance awareness.”
Furthermore, he noted that several violators are being booked regularly while as additionally; on-the-spot counseling sessions are conducted to promote awareness and adherence to traffic rules among drivers and commuters.
