Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a surge in road accidents during 2025, with 5,258 accidents reported from across the Union Territory leading to 972 fatalities, and injuries to 7,582 persons. It has become a challenging task to curb accidents on UT’s roads as Jammu district has emerged as the worst affected.
Going by this startling figure, one can say that road safety in the region cannot be taken lightly by observing routine traffic safety months or seasonal drives to curb traffic violations. What is necessary is to make traffic awareness drives and enforcement a continuous process which should remain active all through the year keeping in mind the famous slogan in Hindi, ‘Sawdhani Hatti Durghatna Ghatti’.
Jammu district reported 937 accidents, the highest in J&K, claiming 212 lives and leaving 1,177 people injured. Srinagar witnessed 406 accidents with 51 deaths and 478 injuries, while Kathua remained at third spot with 372 accidents resulting in 84 fatalities and 471 injuries. Rajouri and Udhampur were also close with 352 accidents with 49 deaths and 572 injuries, and 345 accidents claiming 65 lives and injuring 557 persons respectively. What is agonizing is the fact that behind every number is a family mourning irreparable loss, an orphaned child or a shattered dream.
It is the right time for the authorities to do everything under their domain and as per law to make the roads safer in J&K. As far as people are concerned, they should understand that no road is inherently dangerous; it is reckless driving that causes accidents. The authorities on the other hand should make use of every available provision under the Motor Vehicles Act and related traffic regulations to stop collisions, overturning and falling of vehicles. Overloading, drunken driving, reckless speeding, underage driving, and non-compliance with helmet and seatbelt norms should be made things of the past by strict enforcement as all these are life consuming.
In this regard, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Doda has taken a proactive step by ordering the suspension of blacklisted vehicles for a period of three months with immediate effect. Such out-of-the-box initiatives are vital not only for teaching a lesson to those who prefer non-compliance but also to spread awareness regarding the existing laws. Doing everything for road safety is not an option; rather it is a duty and obligation.
Recently, many amendments have been carried out in laws and rules with regard to traffic and therefore the officials should rely on the same to bring order and safety on roads as it is the critical need of the hour.
