Open House: Besides Sadak Surakhya Force, what other steps should be taken to check road mishaps?

Reduce vehicular traffic on roads

Sadak Surakhya Force is not a complete or concrete solution to deal with vehicular accident deaths. The main cause of death in cases of vehicular accidents is over-speeding by vehicles and wrong-side driving. So, the foremost step required is to check the loss of lives due to road accidents. For this, over- speeding of vehicles by drivers is to be completely checked. New stringent laws need to be enforced whereby the government fixes speed limit on driving and no one dares to drive above the maximum permissible speed limit. Also, the government should install CCTV cameras in all areas which can detect and record over-speeding of vehicles. Thereafter, drivers should not only be issued challans and made to pay fine but a law should be made to punish the guilty drivers with three years of imprisonment. Also, awareness must be created amongst the masses about the disadvantages of over-speeding. Road accidents can also be reduced if there is less number of vehicles on roads. For this, vehicular traffic needs to be reduced on roads. The government can implement odd-even number scheme of vehicles on roads on alternate days of the week for this.

Sanjay Chawla

Punish offenders for speed violations

The Sadak Surakhaya Force was launched recently by the state government to provide immediate possible medical aid/relief to accident victims on roads and save the maximum number of lives. Heavy expenses were incurred on the required infrastructure and a separate police cadre was established for the purpose. However, it is still to be analysed how far the system has remained successful in lieu of high expectations. As the force is operative only after the accidents, nothing tangible is done to prevent the road accidents itself. The magnitude of road accidents and resultant casualties are increasing and it is the most serious subject to ponder over. Traffic rules have to be strictly implemented for this. According to one report, high speed is one of the major reasons for road accidents. With the help of technology, speed violations can be checked and offenders punished as per law. Other highway traffic violations such as wrong-side driving and drunken driving should be checked without any compromise.

Jagdish Chander

Road safety as subject in schools

Road accidents have gradually become a major hazard. Although, steps are taken to minimise the harm caused by constant road accidents, it all seems in vain after hearing the news about how many people lose their lives due to road accidents. Then, what is the way to break this pattern? There are several reasons which lead to mishaps, and to handle them, there should be several solutions too. The most necessary step to eliminate the loss of life in road accidents is to make the rules stringent. In India, people take the road safety rules way too lightly causing an unfortunate occurrence. The rules should be modified and the penalties intensified, so as to enforce them with more strictness. The next step is to fix the mistakes. By mistakes, I mean the irregularities on the road which lead to such accidents. The roads need to be checked and repaired. Persistent efforts to maintain the roads are necessary. Another step that will bring an enormous change is by involving road safety as a subject/counselling to be taught from the early stages till the end of educational life to etch it firmly in the coming generation’s mind. The future generation is what we rely on, they are our stepping stones. If they are taught the needs of the hour from the start, they will aim for bringing about change in society.

Manveen Kaur

Regulate road indiscipline

Road users often disregard the traffic rules indiscreetly. We hear about incidents of scuffles everyday because of road indiscipline. The primary cause is the carelessness and growing intolerance among young drivers, which leads to ugly altercations and fatal injuries. Other issues are underage driving, stray animals and drunken driving. It has become an established practice in our country to use the wrong-lane while overtaking, which often causes major mishaps. Furthermore, the lack of consistent surveillance, ignoring traffic signals and the thrill of speeding aggravates indiscipline on roads. The need of the hour is that traffic rules and road discipline must be maintained with a renewed sense of responsibility by the police and the public as well. While roads should be distinctly demarcated for the different categories of vehicles to follow prescribed lanes and speed limits, clear warning signals should be flagged at strategic points to adhere to instructions. In this technology-driven era, it is feasible to keep a constant vigil on the roads using electronic devices so that nobody dares to disobey the norms. Equally desirable is to indicate diversion routes prominently for navigating potholes and broken stretches to prevent deadly accidents. It is indeed satisfying that underage driving, especially prevalent among school-going children, is being banned from July 31. Nonetheless, a sensitisation drive for strict compliance of traffic regulations should be launched to inculcate road discipline and driving sense to save precious lives.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Put up info boards on highways

Sadak Suraksha Force is a new initiative launched by our chief minister to improve traffic movement and reduce accidents in the state because a large number of fatalities occur due to over- speeding vehicles. So many recruitments of constables and sub-inspectors were done in the name of Sadak Surakhya Force? So much advertisements were splashed in various newspapers and media by Punjab government but in reality only a handful of people knew about it. The CM announced that in the first phase, dedicated vehicles will be deployed at every 30 kilometers, equipped with speed radars. It was the first of its kind measure to deal with speeding vehicles, check rash driving and streamline the movement of vehicles to avoid accidents. They also have medical kits for emergency treatment. It is certainly the first of its kind but sadly not enough is visible on the roads. It should be advertised properly, after every 20 to 30 kilometers, there should be a big banner with details, phone numbers etc. If nobody knows whom and how they will call, then it’s sheer wastage of money and manpower.

Shashi Kiran

Drivers should follow norms

It is rightly said that speed thrills but kills. Express highways, high-speed cars, not following traffic signals properly and rash driving are always a threat on roads. The government has launched Sadak Surakhya Force to create awareness among the masses to follow traffic rules, ensure safe driving, avoid risky overtaking etc. The National Highways Authorities (NHAI) has already specified speed limits lane-wise on national highways; it is now up to the drivers of the vehicles to follow speed limits. A thorough checking of the drivers should be carried out to ascertain if he is under the influence of liquor and fine him as per the rules specified by the Ministry of National Highways or the traffic police .Reflectors on the back of trucks, buses, e-rickshaws should be made mandatory; truck-trolleys carrying steel bars should especially place red light on the back of iron rods and sides of the trolley so that it is easily visible at night. Similarly, overloaded trucks should also install red light on the height and back of the trucks. Attending mobile phone calls during driving is also a major cause for accidents. People should themselves ignore attending mobile calls while driving. If necessary or urgent, they should halt the car by the roadside, attend phone calls and then drive.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Involve community in road safety measures

To effectively minimise the loss of life in road accidents, a multifaceted approach is imperative. Apart from the deployment of Sadak Surakhya Force, the integration of advanced vehicles equipped with swift rescue operations can serve as a model for others. This comprehensive approach may involve launching educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness about road safety and responsible driving behaviour among school-going youngsters and drivers, especially those operating heavy vehicles. Strict enforcement of new traffic laws, including heavy penalties for over-speeding, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, is also crucial. Moreover, providing training to drivers for handling various road conditions and emergencies would be beneficial. Measures like dedicated lanes and safe crossing points with speed-breakers to protect pedestrians and cyclists need to be implemented. Setting and enforcing appropriate speed limits, particularly in high-risk areas, is of paramount importance. Improving road infrastructure by installing better signage, pedestrian crossings, and well-maintained roads is a prerequisite. Additionally, the design and management of intersections needs to be improved with rumble strips or bar markings at the approaches to reduce the risk of collisions. Enhancing emergency response systems to ensure timely medical assistance to accident victims should be a top priority. Regular inspection and maintenance of vehicles to prevent mechanical failures are equally important. Furthermore, involving the community in road safety initiatives can help foster a culture of safety and responsibility.

Kulwant Singh Phull

Safer transportation environment required

In our relentless quest to enhance road safety, meticulous steps need to be adopted beyond the conventional norms to significantly reduce the loss of life resulting from road accidents. Foremost among these is the bolstering of driver education and training programmes, which equip drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern roadways safely. Alongside, the strict enforcement of traffic laws serves as a crucial deterrent against reckless and dangerous driving behaviours, ensuring compliance and promoting safer driving habits. Furthermore, upgrading road infrastructure, including the improvement of road conditions and the incorporation of safety features like better lighting and pedestrian zones, can drastically decrease accident rates. Equipping vehicles with advanced safety features that assist drivers in avoiding collisions and protecting occupants in the event of an accident also plays an indispensable role. Additionally, advocating the widespread use of safety gear among all road users, such as helmets for bikers and reflective clothing for pedestrians, significantly contributes to minimising the risk of serious injuries. Collectively, these measures form a comprehensive approach toward safeguarding lives and fostering a safer transportation environment for everyone.

Ferry Bhatia

Force a progressive step taken by Punjab

An estimated 17-18 people lose their lives in road accidents in Punjab every day. The state government launched Sadak Suraksha Force, which comprises 144 vehicles and 5,000 employees who are deployed every 30 kilometers on roads to ensure the safety of the people. It is a progressive step of the state government. It is the need of time to increase manpower and procure more equipment to deal with victims of the accidents. The government should appoint an expert on duty who has specialisation in the field so that action can be taken on the spot and the patient saved. The government and reputed non-government hospitals can be joined in by the Sadak Suraksha Force vans. The government should spread awareness about the importance of safety rules. They should also be aware about following traffic rules.

Sucha Singh Sagar

QUESTION FOR NEXT WEEK

The spate of robberies, thefts and extortion points to rising lawlessness in the city. What measures do you think need to be taken by the police to control crime and make the residents feel safe and secure.

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (August 1)