Nagaland’s Risky Roads - Eastern Mirror
Friday, March 29, 2024
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Editorial

Nagaland’s Risky Roads

6113
By The Editorial Team Updated: Aug 10, 2022 12:00 am

The four-lane road (National Highway 29) in Dimapur and Chümoukedima has eased traffic, but going by the frequency of tragic accidents along the stretch, it may soon earn the “killer highway” moniker. According to the data provided by the Police, 36 cases of road accidents, including fatal ones, were reported in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts in the month of June alone. At least eight persons have been killed in road accidents on this stretch of road since July, and police said such mishaps mainly occur at U-turns and due to over speeding of vehicles. Considering the risk of a fatal accident, this disturbing trend should be addressed with urgency. To bring down accidents, government authorities, traffic police and the public need to work together. One of the most productive measures to reduce the risk of mishap is strict policing. It has become pertinent to monitor the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles besides checking those breaking traffic rules, as fatalities caused by heavy vehicles are on the rise. The concerned authorities should adopt zero tolerance policy in enforcement of traffic rules.

However, modern devices are required for effective traffic management. For instance, the Dimapur police had set a maximum speed limit of 50 km/hr from Zion Junction to Chümoukedima and 30 km/hr within Dimapur city area in April this year to check over speeding, which is the main cause of accidents in the city. But the police said it was difficult to implement the measure due to absence of devices to check the speed of vehicles though the number of road accidents declined during the period. It’s time the concerned department procures such essential devices that are needed for ensuring road safety and better traffic management. The Union minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, also said in Parliament earlier this month that only Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh have confirmed they followed the Centre’s notification under the Motor Vehicle Act to install appropriate electronic enforcement devices at high risk and high-density corridors on National Highways. The state government should look into this as such measures will help identify incidents more quickly and provide speedy assistance.

Having said that, road mishaps can’t be stopped unless people inculcate civic sense. Authorities can create awareness on road safety, implement rules and punish defaulters as a deterrent but it won’t give the desired results if people do not follow them. Road users should avoid rash driving, jumping red lights, drunken driving and use of mobile phones or ear phones while behind the wheels. Use of safety equipment like seat belts and helmets will also reduce the risk of fatal accidents. People should care for their own safety and that of others.

6113
By The Editorial Team Updated: Aug 10, 2022 12:00:05 am
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