Reckless driving accounts for major cause of accidents

DIMAPUR, JULY 31 : Rules of the road and driving etiquettes are the general practices and procedures that road users should follow when it comes to safe driving while avoiding unwanted situations. Reckless driving and driving under influence of alcohol has always been a major cause of accidents across the globe. In a state like Nagaland and Dimapur in particular, when the Traffic department is working tirelessly under the scorching sun just to ensure 'safety' for the commuters, all road users should take to heart the basic rules of driving without causing problems to opposite lane road takers. Hundreds of lives are lost every year in road accidents which ca always be prevented except for some cases. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Zone I, Seyiesezo Peseyie highlighted some basic traffic necessities/rules during a short interaction with Eastern Mirror. He said accidents in Dimapur caused due to mechanical failure are very less when compared to other kinds like drunken driving, rash driving and violation of traffic rules. He said the commotion/arguments created without verifying the facts at accident sites by people are one of the most disturbing elements that obstruct the on-duty personnel in carrying out their duties. The ACP also provided a half yearly report of road accidents till June 30 comprising both Zone I and Zone II of the district. The compiled report shows as many as 294 road accidents happened in the district out of which Zone II has the maximum number of accidents with 168 reports. The report shows that Zone II covering the highway area has more cases of accident cases with more deaths and casualties. The year starting with a New Year's eve, the report shows that in both Zone I and Zone II, January witnessed the maximum number of accidents with 29 cases in Zone I and 35 cases in Zone II. The table shows 143 injuries with 24 deaths in total of both Zone I and Zone II. The traffic room since the inception of the Commissionerate has in the district come up with various innovative and developmental activities adding to the advantage of daily road users of the district. Earlier in the beginning of 2016, a tourist from mainland India who was seen taking photos of the traffic personnel distributing sweets to commuters told this reporter that he has never seen such good gestures of the traffic police anywhere in his life. He said, 'we have always considered traffic police as the mean one who scolds every commuter'. Likewise various activities are being taken up by the traffic room while trying to educate and bring about changes in the district. The ACP also advised the night road users to avoid using high beam lights as the glare distracts the drivers coming in the opposite direction that at times leads to accidents. The Dimapur Police at present is focusing on the ' road regulation' while checking on tinted glasses, designation plates, unauthorised beacons, etc. As part of the developmental activities, the traffic police have also issued more than 1900 'Display Cards' to autorickshaws of the district with their names, contact numbers, photos, and various other personal details in order to ensure safety to both passengers and drivers.   ZONE I

MONTH	ACCIDENTS	CASUALTIES	DEATHS	DUI
January	29	07	02	12
February	19	10	NIL	08
March	17	05	03	05
April	21	07	03	04
May	24	08	01	09
June	16	06	NIL	NIL
TOTAL	126	43	09	38

  ZONE II

MONTH	ACCIDENTS	CASUALTIES	DEATHS
JANUARY	35	26	2
FEBRUARY	33	18	2
MARCH	27	15	2
APRIL	28	15	3
MAY	18	13	3
JUNE	27	28	3
TOTAL	168	100	15