88 Dead in Jammu Road Accidents; Traffic Police Crack Down

In a troubling revelation, 88 individuals lost their lives and over 1,000 sustained injuries due to 699 road accidents across Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch in Jammu during the initial seven months of 2023. In response, the Traffic Police Rural Jammu undertook a highly focused drive targeting two-wheeler regulations, which emerged as a significant contributor to these accidents, making up 44 per cent of all incidents.

The Traffic Police initiated this awareness and enforcement campaign from September 1 to 14, aiming to mitigate the alarming trend of two-wheeler-related crashes. A spokesperson stated that the campaign stemmed from an in-depth analysis of accident data that underscored the urgent need for intervention.

The analysis revealed startling statistics: of the total 699 accidents reported, two-wheelers were involved in 309 crashes, leading to 39 fatalities and injuring 384 individuals. This statistic sheds light on the gravity of the situation, with the spokesperson noting that 25 per cent of the victims fell below the age of 26.

Traffic Police highlighted that accidents involving two-wheelers were particularly severe, especially on national highways. They reported 102 accidents (41 per cent) linked to two-wheelers on these routes, while another 210 incidents occurred on secondary roads (47 per cent). The data indicated that a majority of the incidents, about 445 (64 per cent), stemmed from single-vehicle accidents.

In light of these alarming figures, Traffic Police Rural Jammu launched a comprehensive campaign aimed at both raising awareness and enforcing traffic laws across all four districts. The initiative transformed into a robust crackdown, where 8,675 challans were issued for various violations during the drive.

The enforcement closely targeted individuals flouting critical safety regulations. Among the violations noted, 5,767 riders faced penalties for not wearing helmets. Additionally, 1,152 pillion riders and 1,106 for triple riding violations were also fined. Other recorded violations included 188 riders using mobile phones while driving, 260 for dangerous driving, and 146 for operating vehicles without a valid license.

Moreover, the police discovered three minors illegally operating two-wheelers, leading to the seizure of their vehicles. A total of 187 vehicles were confiscated during this rigorous campaign.

Alongside strict enforcement measures, Traffic Police also prioritized education. They conducted 267 awareness programmes in diverse settings such as educational institutions, bus stands, and libraries to enlighten citizens about road safety norms and the Motor Vehicles Act.

Additionally, on-road counseling sessions in Rajouri and Poonch allowed road users to engage directly with traffic officers under canopies set for interactive discussions. During these sessions, individuals participated in dialogues focused on helmet usage, traffic discipline, and the repercussions of reckless behavior on the road.

The traffic campaign employed the innovative approach of “no challan, only counseling” to engage younger riders positively and effectively.

Farooq Qaiser, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic Rural Jammu, assured the public that similar initiatives focused on regulatory compliance for other vehicle categories, such as Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), would follow in the coming days. He urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, warning that robust enforcement would continue to ensure public safety.