Tuki for effective policy to minimize road mishaps

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Aug 2: Taking serious note of frequent road accidents, some fatal, that occurred during the last three years, Chief Minister bam Tuki has suggested for a strong and effective state policy to avert and minimize such mishaps.

He advocated for vigorous campaign for safe driving, safe speed and safety measures for commuters and pedestrians users during a high level meeting of the Road Safety Council here at his office conference hall on Friday evening, an official communiqué informed here today.  

The meeting was convened on Supreme Courts direction to constitute state specific Road Safety Council to control and check road accidents.

The chief minister opined for regular checking of driving licenses including vehicle documents besides keeping track of the safety measures which are compulsory for drivers or passengers during driving.

He was of the view that maximum road accidents occur due to negligent and rash driving coupled with other reasons like bad roads and lack of safe road infrastructure. He directed the law enforcement authorities to take stringent measures to regulate traffic rules by ensuring compulsory use of seat belts, helmets for both driver and pillion and strict prohibition of mobile phone usage during driving besides asking the department concerned to put concerted effort in developing safe road infrastructure across the state.

While advocating for a government notified and registered Driving Training Centre in the state, Tuki suggested for a mandatory fill up of forms on formats prepared by transport department for issuance of driving licenses. He also suggested for mandatory Health Check for all drivers before issuance of driving license. Tuki proposed to set up road safety fund besides attaching ambulances with the traffic police for evacuation of critical accident victims to hospitals. He directed the departments to install necessary signboards on the roads which are mandatory for road safety. He further opined for road safety slogans to be incorporated in school curriculum.

He directed the department of transport to prepare an action plan on road safety guidelines by September next.

“Haphazard parking along the roads affects road jams besides making it vulnerable to accidents,” the CM viewed and directed for constitution of a committee for identifying parking places under the Chairmanship of DC Capital.

The House was appraised that the department of transport had identified 8 black spots in the capital region where frequent accidents occur while 40 other junction posts (25 in Itagar and 15 in harlagun) have been identified. Department further requested the House for a full fledged Traffic SP to regulate traffic regulations in the capital region, the communiqué added.