Dr Daisy Parihar
Just writing Om Shanti and rest in peace won’t solve the problem. It is high time our administrative forces need to take up a strong action against the carelessness while driving.
Accidents are usually caused by negligence while driving. Mobile phones can be a significant factor in accidents due to distracted driving. Engaging with a mobile device while operating a vehicle diverts attention and increases the chance of accidents and at times fatal ones.
Implementing strict rules and taking decisive actions against distracted driving. Hefty fines or license penalties is a crucial step to stop individuals from using mobile phones while driving. Poor road conditions including uneven surfaces, lack of maintenance can contribute to accidents.
Whose responsibility is it to check up the infrastructure issues? The tragic effect of accidents on families are profound and far reaching, loss of loved ones can lead to emotional and financial challenges. Grieving families often land on a difficult path towards healing and adjusting to life with a void that can never be filled after loss of their loved ones.
Improving safety measures including installing highway guardrails is indeed a crucial measure and our honourable High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has also given the direction to install guardrails but the installation of these safety measures are taken for granted. Let me remind you a single careless driver causes damage to multiple innocent lives but no doctor in his right senses would want to kill a patient intentionally but when a patient dies in a hospital, the doctor treating him/her is disrespected, seen with eyes full of hatred and at times even beaten up.
Now the question is why isn’t this attitude same towards people who are at fault for taking up crores in name of highway road construction and maintenance? Where do these eyes full of hatred go while seeing the mountains being continuously excavated surpassing the limits responsible for landslides. Where does the force put into breaking hospital buildings and standing up against practicing of doctors go when you see corrupt builders and contractors not utilising the funds for construction and betterment of roads.
At last I request every person reading this to raise their voice for the right and also I request administration to take up firm action against violators of laws and punish the culprits. Frequent monitoring of road accidents in hilly areas is crucial. The primary goal of it is to save lives. The history of many accidents in Chenab Valley underscores the need for focused attention on improving road safety in such regions. It’s high time and the need for a thorough examination of contributing factors such as changes in traffic patterns, road conditions or driver’s behaviour.
Requiring evidence of proper training and a good driving record as part of the loan approval process can be an effective way to ensure that loans are granted to responsible and trained drivers. This approach not only protects lenders but also promotes road safety.
Traffic police play an important role when we talk about road safety measures. By avoiding bias and treating all individuals equally, they contribute to creating a safer and more equitable traffic environment. Taking strict action against the driver attempting to offer bribes is essential for maintaining the integrity of law enforcement. Controlling speed is crucial on hilly highways to prevent accidents. The installation of CCTV cameras can serve as an effective tool for monitoring and enforcing speed limits.
It provides valuable evidence for addressing speeding violations. Implementing and reinforcing weight restrictions is essential for preventing accidents. The limitation on weight in vehicles, similar to aeroplanes is a matter of safety and operational efficiency. Overloading in buses can compromise handling, braking and overall stability leading to an increased risk of accidents. Requiring a monthly certification or inspection of vehicles could be a proactive measure to ensure that vehicles are in proper working conditions. This approach may involve obtaining a certificate from authorized service centres confirming that the vehicle meets safety standards. Heavy penalties for using mobile phones while driving and strict law enforcement help to create a safer road environment. In hilly areas, installing appropriate barriers becomes even more crucial due to the challenging terrain.
Safety barriers help prevent vehicles from going off steep slopes or cliffs reducing the severity of accidents. However, the quality of material used for barriers should be good and should effectively withstand impact. For that, maintenance and inspection of barriers are also important. To address wear and tear so that barriers remain effective. Now above all, selecting high-quality materials for road construction is paramount for ensuring durability and safety. Prioritizing quality materials contributes to the overall resilience and safety of the road infrastructure.
Linking payment to contractors with a thorough quality check of material used in the construction of roads is the need of hour. It ensures accountability and the use of high-quality materials and promotes adherence to construction standards.
The inspection team for road material should be impartial and transparent. At last, I request that don’t let safety checks for safety measures be a one-time show. Keep the safety measures going strong. This check is only for a few days, and then later, we forget about it. Please, make it a lasting shield. Let’s pray for the safety of everyone.
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