Death on Wheels – J&K’s poor record !

The district-wise data is also disappointing because Jammu district reported the highest 376 road accidents in which 65 people were killed and 400 were injured. Apart from Jammu district, in Kathua, 36 people were killed in 143 accidents and 225 were injured, in Udhampur, 14 people were killed in 147 accidents and 244 injured, in Samba, 17 people were killed and 107 were injured in 100 accidents, in Reasi district, 119 accidents were reported in which 18 people lost their lives and 115 were injured.
Every day 10 to 12 road accidents are being reported from parts of the region with casualties in some cases and injuries in almost all. It is a known fact that the use of cell phones has become the top culprit while jumping signal lights, overloading and rash driving are some of the other major reasons behind road accidents. It is good that the administration is working on a roadmap to deal with traffic rule violators to prevent road accidents and save many lives but there is a long way to go to finally address the situation. It is crucial to prioritize safety measures and promote awareness to prevent accidents and minimize their impact. Road safety should be made part of curriculum in the academics that will inculcate the traffic regulations sensitivities in the younger age. Governments, organizations, and individuals all should play their pivotal role in creating safer environments by improving road edifice, and implementing measures to reduce accidents and protect lives.