With vehicular density increasing with each passing day in Jammu city and in its periphery, it has become necessary to focus on pedestrian safety because undoubtedly the roads have become hostile for those walking along the fast moving traffic. It is pertinent to mention that in western world and continent-country Australia the pedestrian safety is given paramount importance as people on foot have the first preference out there as vehicles are expected to slow down or stop for them but in India, particularly J&K, the pedestrians have to take care of them by their own self with people steering vehicles seldom giving importance to the safety of this lot moving on feet.
This is an important issue and the government should come out with some strict laws to ensure safety of pedestrians across the Jammu region and for that matter in the entire UT. The issue of encroachments on pathways and roadsides has also made the problem more complex with little scope left for the pedestrians to remain safe as their walking space in many places has been occupied by the encroachers.
Considering this critical issue it has become necessary for the helmsmen to work diligently on providing sufficient footpaths, zebra crossings, pedestrian signals and speed limits at places where there is pedestrian movement especially near the schools, hospitals and busy markets. It is also imperative to take exemplary action against encroachments and traffic rule violators because these two factors are mainly challenging the pedestrian safety and convenience.
Above all, imparting awareness to all sections of society including the pedestrians about their safety and respecting their rights is vital for bringing the desired change on roads making the same safer for people who have to walk on these pathways for accomplishing daily chores of life including children, aged, women and other lot. People on vehicles should understand that roads are meant for all and not just for vehicles and their occupants.
It is therefore important for one and all to take care of pedestrian safety as unless the region achieves the goal of providing failsafe edifice to people walking on roads, it becomes necessary for the commuters to change their mindset or else the people on foot will remain at constant risk. There is a need to take a collective initiative by the government, traffic authorities and the common masses to ensure safety of pedestrians besides offering them the convenience as far as possible. This will help in making Jammu region a better place to live for all.
