According to government statistics, there was a worrying increase in traffic accidents during the first half of 2023, resulting in 135 deaths throughout Kashmir.
Since January of 2023 until the present day, 1064 traffic accidents have been registered in the valley, resulting in 135 deaths.
The Srinagar district was found to be particularly hazardous, with 225 incidents totaling 28 fatalities. Anantnag, in southern Kashmir, came in second with 147 accidents and 25 fatalities, behind only Srinagar.
There were eight deaths and eightty injuries recorded in accidents in Budgam. There were 74 recorded accidents with 11 fatalities in Kulgam. There were 83 accidents reported in the Ganderbal district, resulting in 2 fatalities. In Bandipora, there were a total of 38 car accidents in which 3 people lost their lives. There were 59 accidents in Pulwama, resulting in 4 deaths. There were 20 accidents in Shopian, resulting in three unfortunate deaths, while 50 accidents in Awantipora, a police district in south Kashmir, resulted in thirteen fatalities, according to government statistics. There were 126 accidents in the Baramulla area, resulting in 12 deaths. There were 57 accidents in Kupwara, and seven people were killed. There were 58 accidents recorded in Handwara, resulting in nine fatalities. In Sopore, there were 47 accidents that resulted in 10 deaths.
Ravindar Pal Singh, superintendent of the traffic police in rural Kashmir, voiced his shock at the disturbing numbers and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to resolving the problem. To promote compliance with traffic laws and regulations, he added, “special drives against traffic violations have been carried out rigorously” and “awareness programmes targeting drivers, students, and local communities” were implemented.
The use of E-Challaning to simplify fines, breath analyzers to identify drunkenness, and garbage barriers, he added, are just a few of the efforts that have been introduced to improve enforcement procedures. A cutting-edge speed radar system has been implemented to combat speeding, and offenders are being swiftly charged in compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act. “We’re paying extra attention to crack down on drivers who don’t wear helmets, pile too much into their vehicles, or speed,” he said.
He said that “efforts are also being focused on taking strict actions against habitual violators,” such as the suspension or revocation of a driver’s licence, vehicle registration, or permission after an accident that resulted in deaths.
Singh strongly recommends that motorists adhere to all traffic regulations, including those pertaining to speeding, helmet use, vehicle overloading, cell phone use while driving, dangerous motorcycle manoeuvres, driving on the right side of the road, vehicle maintenance, sobriety behind the wheel and fitness certification. (KNO)
