Mokokchung Police launches ‘traffic safety awareness week’

MOKOKCHUNG — The traffic cell under the district executive force (DEF), Mokokchung, launched the ‘Traffic safety awareness week’ on Tuesday at ADC Planning hall on theme “Unity for road safety.’

Speaking at the launch programme, SDPO of Mokokchung, Tishisie Pojar, stated that Mokokchung district has been witnessing a disturbing rise in accidents recently, particularly those involving drunk and reckless driving. He asserted that of all those accidents, 90 percent of the accidents could have been prevented.

Pojar also stated that Mokokchung, as one of the fastest-growing districts in the state and a prime location for business, faces a challenge due to limited road expansion opportunities. Referring to statistics, he stated that there was increasing number of registered vehicles in the district.

He informed that Mokokchung district has registered more than 4000 vehicles in three years including 867 in 2020-21, 1227 in 2021-22, 1481 in 2022-23 and 589 in 2023-til date.

Pojar also highlighted detailed data on accidents, differentiating between cases where accidents were registered and those where they were not. He noted that, unfortunately, a significant number of accidents went unreported, lacking official details of damages, injuries, and fatalities.

In regards to accidents, he informed that drunken driving has been a concern in 2023 with one case reported, while rash driving was another issue with three cases in 2020, three in 2021, five in 2022, and five cases in 2023.

Three fatalities were in 2020, 2021, five in 2022, and seven in 2023, it was informed.

He also asserted that ‘traffic safety is a shared responsibility and individuals must exercise caution and responsibility to prevent accidents’ and urged all drivers, regardless of vehicle type to prioritise safety, including passenger safety, pedestrian safety, timely arrival, safe arrival, and vehicle safety.

He also asserted that all drivers should bear the responsibility by adhering to the law and cautioned taxi drivers to thoroughly inspect parcels they carry to prevent unintended involvement in illegal activities.

Pojar encouraged every individual to be responsible while driving and stressed that the road belongs to everyone and urged them to be vigilant.

Addressing the issue of drunken driving, he urged drivers to prioritise their lives and the safety of their passengers. He also stressed the importance of vehicle maintenance.

Pojar assured the public that law enforcement agencies are there to serve and urged anyone witnessing accidents or unfortunate incidents to report them promptly, promising immediate action in accordance with the law.

He also highlighted the necessity of having a “First aid kit” in every commercial vehicle underlining its role in saving lives during critical moments of accidents.

Pojar advised against over-speeding, using mobile phones while driving. He also appealed to the two-wheelers’ association to ensure passengers wear helmets for their safety during travel.

Akumtemjen Jamir, assistant regional transport officer (ARTO) of Mokokchung, was theme speaker. He said there are well-defined regulations and guidelines that road users must follow to ensure a safe journey.

He stated that ‘road safety rules’ have been established by the government to protect everyone on the roads. He added that measures such as signage, traffic signals, security cameras, dividers, and pedestrian pathways are employed to ensure road safety.

Short speeches were also delivered by Tongpang, president All Nagaland Taxi Association Mokokchung (ANTAM); Martoshi from trucks’ union; Lanuakum, president of Bus’ Union; Temjen, president of Two Wheelers’ Taxi Association.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Athangba, traffic in-charge of Mokokchung.

During the programme two drivers were conferred with citations for responsible driving.

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