200 youths trained on road safety measures by Anubhav NGO

Special Correspondent

Silchar: Road accidents have become so frequent and common that it can set all conscious and concerned people alarmed. According to the detailed information given by the traffic police of this town, in 365 days, the number of accidents has touched 225, killing 29 people and injuring 281, some sustaining fatal wounds, maiming and paralysing for life. 18 pedestrians died due to the fatal hit by vehicles. 75 four wheelers were involved mostly in road accidents. 24 persons died in 96 National Highway mishaps. This is the picture of this town and its suburbs. What can be the enormity of the road mishaps and human tragedy of the district of Cachar, leave aside the valley, can well be imagined than understood.

Considering the alarming situation, Anubhav NGO organised a three-day training cum workshop on road safety measures for 200 youths in coordination with Ministry of Port, Road Transport and Highway at Sanskriti Bhawan near the office of SP here recently. Jagadish Sinha, NGO president, said after the training the trained youths on various aspects of road safety measures were felicitated with citations. They, in particular, were motivated to spread the core message of ‘safe walk, safe driving and obedience to traffic rules.’

District transport officer, Hemen Das, and Sashanka Saha from traffic department focused on the very important factor of ‘negligence’ on the part of road users on foot and by vehicles. Fatal accidents could be avoided by bike riders by using a helmet. Despite repeated warnings, bikers on the move and even at speed speak over mobile and get involved in accidents. Much blame has to be taken by the traffic branch of the police which does not enforce the rules strictly and allow the offenders go scot free.

The Supreme Court of India has directed to impose spot fines for not wearing helmets by the bike riders and the pillion riders. But then, who cares. Traffic rules are flouted with impunity. Overtaking by drivers and overriding speed limit by them is common. However, the traffic police department contradicts it and that during the last one year, 4681 drivers of different vehicles, two, three and four wheelers, were fined and from them more than Rs 21 lakh was realised. One hopes the trained trainees would help the traffic police in traffic management effectively and curb down the accidents.

Also read: Cachar news