Chandigarh, January 11: Giving a clarion call to all stakeholders into initiating vigorous efforts for reducing road accidents mortality rate, Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Wednesday, said that the concerned departments, NGOs and especially commuters should play their role responsibly and dedicate themselves to road safety throughout the year and not just for a week.
Kickstarting the Road Safety Week from January 11 to 17, 2023 being organized by the Punjab State Road Safety Council on the directions of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, here at Punjab Bhawan, the Transport Minister said that most of the major and fatal accidents occur during the foggy season between December to February, which is a major challenge, and requires special attention.
He directed the traffic police officials to challan the heavy vehicles parked along the roadside, which are causing accidents during the foggy season.
The Cabinet Minister informed, as per the Punjab Road Accident Report-2021, about 4,589 people died in road accidents in the state, which comes to a loss of 13 people daily, mentioning that it is found in the report that 72% of total road accidents occur on National and State Highways, while 60% of road accidents occur in rural areas.
It is also estimated that about 70% of people die in road accidents are in the age group of 18 to 45 years. He said that the districts Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Mohali contribute a maximum number of accidents in the State, while Jalandhar and Ludhiana cities are the worst hit.
Lauding the NGOs involved in welfare activities such as road safety and saving accident victims lives, the Transport Minister said that such organizations and individuals will be honoured on Republic Day functions on January 26.
He urged the NGOs to give suggestions to the government for road safety so that
precious lives can be saved.
During the meeting Secretary Transport Mr. Vikas Garg, Director General Lead Agency Mr. R. Venkat Ratnam, State Transport Commissioner Mr. Moneesh Kumar, ADGP (Traffic) Mr. A.S. Rai and NHAI, PWD, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab Mandi Board, School Education officials were also present.
VARIOUS ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR ROAD SAFETY WEEK
Meanwhile, Bhullar said various activities will be conducted by the departments in collaboration with NGOs during the road safety week.
He said:
- Traffic police will conduct bicycle/two-wheeler rallies,
- Install reflectors on vehicles,
- Organize health check-up of drivers,
- Campaign against over-speeding and drink and drive,
- Awareness campaign about seat belts and helmet wearing,
- Installation sign boards, etc.
Similarly, Transport, State Transport Commissioner and Health Department will jointly conduct:
- Health and eye check-up camps for truck operators and traffic employees, PWD
- NHAI will install signboards on black spots and accident prone areas,
- Punjab Mandi Board and PWD will launch cleaning campaign of the link roads,
- Local Government department to install street lights and CCTV cameras on accident prone places and junctions within the municipal limits.
- School, Higher and Technical Education departments will sensitize the students of schools and colleges to use public transport instead of private vehicles for commuting to educational institutes.
Bhullar directed the officials of the concerned departments to ensure smooth management of these activities and full participation of people during the Road Safety Week.
