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| Another Tragedy | | | | Yet another road accident in Udhampur District that left 21 commuters dead and 51 others injured sent entire region into the mourning and once again brought to fore that over speeding in hilly areas can prove fatal. Each such incident leaves behind shattered families, unanswered questions, and a familiar cycle of outrage followed by silence. The primary cause highlighted once again is over-speeding on treacherous mountain roads. In regions like Udhampur and other hilly belts, narrow roads, blind curves, steep gradients, and fragile slopes demand cautious driving. Yet, a combination of negligence, lack of enforcement, and inadequate infrastructure turns these roads into death traps. Speed, which may appear harmless on plains, becomes lethal in the hills, where even a minor miscalculation can lead to catastrophic consequences Pertinently, in February 2023, the government had constituted a four-member high-powered committee to recommend measures to suggest concrete steps for improving road safety in the hilly areas of the Jammu region. The report submitted by the committee has not been made public yet. It awaits implementation. The road network in the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir continues to pose serious safety risks. According to data from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, J&K ranks among the highest in India in terms of road accidents per 10,000 vehicles, with an average of over 900 deaths reported annually over the past five years. A multi-pronged approach is urgently needed. First and foremost, there must be strict enforcement of traffic rules, especially against over-speeding and overloading of vehicles. Regular monitoring through checkpoints, speed cameras, and surprise inspections can act as deterrents. Secondly, road infrastructure in hilly areas requires immediate attention. Installation of crash barriers, proper signage, reflective markers, and regular maintenance of roads can significantly reduce accident risks. Equally important is the condition of vehicles and the training of drivers. Many accidents involve poorly maintained vehicles or drivers unfamiliar with the challenges of hill driving. Mandatory fitness checks for commercial vehicles and specialized training programs for drivers operating in mountainous regions should be made non-negotiable. Furthermore, emergency response systems must be strengthened. In many cases, delayed medical assistance exacerbates the severity of injuries. Establishing well-equipped trauma centers along vulnerable routes and ensuring quick deployment of rescue teams can save lives. Every life lost on these roads is a stark reminder that negligence comes at a heavy cost. Ensuring safer roads is not just a policy imperative—it is a moral responsibility that cannot be delayed any further. |
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