ROAD DISCIPLINE
Recent road accidents near Lawapora and Tengpora, which tragically claimed the lives of young children, have shed a glaring light on the severe issues surrounding road safety in Kashmir. These accidents serve as stark reminders of the growing concerns regarding the safety of road users in the region. Not only do these incidents raise important questions, but they also demand an urgent reassessment of road discipline, law enforcement, and public responsibility. It is clear that immediate action must be taken by authorities, drivers, and the public alike to address these concerns and work collaboratively to ensure safer roads, especially for vulnerable pedestrians and children.
The need for greater accountability in road safety
Kashmir, with its stunning landscape and growing urbanization, has seen a rapid rise in road traffic over the years. With this increase in vehicles, however, there has been a notable decline in road discipline. The tragic deaths of children in Lawapora and Tengpora are just the latest in a series of avoidable accidents that highlight the lack of proper road safety measures, the rise in reckless driving, and the growing indifference towards basic traffic regulations.
The issue goes beyond poor infrastructure and vehicle numbers—it also involves the behavior of road users, the failure of law enforcement, and the lack of coordinated effort between various stakeholders. This growing issue demands a holistic approach to address the root causes and to instill a greater sense of responsibility and accountability in all road users.
The role of parents and education
While parents play an important role in ensuring the safety of their children, especially when it comes to restricting minors from using vehicles and bikes on roads, it is important to acknowledge that this is not enough. No matter how diligent parents are in their efforts to educate their children, the bigger challenge lies in addressing the reckless driving that happens on public roads.
Parents can help by emphasizing the importance of road safety to their children, especially as they reach the legal age to drive. They should set an example by adhering to traffic rules, using seatbelts, and refraining from reckless behavior. However, it is not just the responsibility of parents to monitor children’s actions; a much broader societal shift is necessary to curb this growing issue. Parents alone cannot stop the tide of reckless driving if systemic problems in road safety and law enforcement persist.
Reckless driving: The bigger issue
One of the most alarming issues contributing to the growing number of accidents in Kashmir is reckless driving. The recent road accidents near Lawapora and Tengpora exemplify this problem. Reckless driving, especially by public transport vehicles like Sumos and buses, exacerbates traffic congestion, creates hazardous road conditions, and increases the likelihood of accidents.
In these instances, Sumos and buses frequently stop in the middle of roads, causing severe traffic jams. This not only disrupts the flow of traffic but also creates significant risks in emergency situations. Ambulances, which are meant to provide quick and essential medical help, are often unable to navigate through these traffic snarls, leading to life-threatening delays. The lack of intervention by traffic policemen, who are either sitting idly or failing to address these violations, further compounds the problem. The absence of immediate corrective actions by law enforcement raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the existing traffic management systems.
In addition to this, the use of mobile phones while driving is another pressing issue. Despite widespread public awareness campaigns, drivers continue to use their phones behind the wheel, leading to distractions that often result in accidents. Texting, making calls, and using social media apps divert a driver’s attention from the road, creating an environment conducive to accidents.
The impact of traffic congestion and shortcut
Another major issue contributing to road safety concerns in Kashmir is the surge of tippers and other heavy vehicles using narrow residential roads as shortcuts to reach highways. This practice has become increasingly common, as drivers seek to avoid the busy main roads and save time. Unfortunately, this behavior not only endangers the lives of pedestrians and residents but also leads to the deterioration of already fragile infrastructure.
The congestion caused by these large vehicles, which are not meant for residential streets, increases the risk of accidents, particularly in neighborhoods with narrow lanes and limited pedestrian space. With growing traffic volume in Srinagar and its outskirts, it is crucial to address this issue and ensure that these dangerous practices are curbed immediately.
These reckless driving habits are not only an inconvenience but also a major safety hazard. The presence of large vehicles in residential areas disrupts daily life, as residents must contend with the constant threat of accidents and the deterioration of their surroundings. The growing number of vehicles, coupled with poor traffic discipline, underscores the urgency of addressing these issues.
The role of traffic police and law enforcement
While traffic police are expected to enforce road discipline and curb violations, it is not solely their responsibility to ensure safe roads. The current state of law enforcement in Kashmir requires a more proactive approach. Traffic police officers need to be more vigilant and responsive, especially when it comes to addressing violations such as stopping in the middle of the road, reckless driving, and the use of mobile phones while driving.
However, traffic police alone cannot solve the problem. It is essential for road users to understand their responsibility in maintaining road safety. Drivers, pedestrians, and passengers must work together to adhere to traffic rules and create a culture of safety on the roads.
Moreover, the traffic police should not only issue fines but also engage in public awareness campaigns, educating drivers and pedestrians about the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of following traffic rules. Regular checks, fines, and penalties can only do so much—what is needed is a deep-seated cultural shift in how people perceive road safety.
Creating safer roads: A collective effort
Ensuring road safety in Kashmir requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. The government must invest in improving road infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas, to reduce congestion and minimize the risk of accidents. Public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate citizens about the importance of road safety and the consequences of violating traffic rules.
Additionally, there should be a push for stricter regulations concerning public transport vehicles. Drivers of Sumos, buses, and taxis should be held accountable for their actions, with penalties for those who engage in reckless driving or block traffic. It is also important to restrict heavy vehicles from using residential areas as shortcuts, especially during peak hours.
At the same time, pedestrians and cyclists must also be vigilant and responsible when using the roads. They should adhere to pedestrian safety rules, such as using crosswalks and avoiding jaywalking, and cyclists should wear helmets and follow traffic signals.
Conclusion
While the primary responsibility for road safety may lie with the traffic police, it is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of all road users, public authorities, and local communities. Reckless driving, traffic congestion, and the misuse of roads for shortcuts are issues that cannot be ignored. They must be addressed through a coordinated effort involving strict law enforcement, public awareness, and personal responsibility.
The tragic accidents near Lawapora and Tengpora have underscored the need for urgent action. If we are to make Kashmir’s roads safer for everyone—especially vulnerable pedestrians and children—we must all work together to create a culture of road discipline. Only then can we ensure that such heartbreaking accidents become a thing of the past. The road to safer roads starts with each and every one of us.
(The author is a Social Activist and National TV debater. The ideas expressed are his own and can be reached on @[email protected])
