ROAD SAFETY
Road accidents in Kashmir have become an alarming epidemic, claiming hundreds of lives annually. While factors like reckless driving and adverse weather conditions are often blamed, the elephant in the room remains largely ignored: unskilled drivers and systemic failures in ensuring road safety.
A critical examination reveals that a significant number of drivers in Kashmir lack even the most basic knowledge of driving principles, road signs, and traffic signals. This glaring gap stems from an inadequate driving test during the issuance of licenses. The current driving test often bypasses stringent assessments, effectively placing untrained drivers behind the wheel, turning vehicles into potential weapons on the road.
Driving licenses should only be issued to applicants who have undergone proper training from authorized driving institutes. These institutes can provide comprehensive training on road safety, vehicle control, and traffic rules. The licensing system must undergo a radical transformation to prevent unskilled drivers from endangering lives. A robust, three-stage testing process should be implemented, encompassing:
- Driver’s Knowledge Test: A comprehensive written test evaluating the applicant’s understanding of traffic rules, road safety protocols, and the implications of breaking them.
- On-Road Driving Test: An assessment of practical driving skills under the scrutiny of a qualified inspector.
- Off-Road Driving Challenges: A controlled environment where drivers face simulated challenges to test their ability to make split-second decisions.
Equally critical is the need to train motor vehicle inspectors. These professionals play a pivotal role in evaluating drivers but often lack the specialized knowledge and training necessary for their job. Empowering them with the right tools and knowledge can dramatically improve the quality of drivers on the road.
Another major contributor to road accidents in Kashmir is the substandard design and construction of roads. Narrow lanes, poorly planned curves, lack of proper signage, inadequate drainage, and banking of roads make Kashmiri roads hazardous even for skilled drivers.
Government authorities must take a proactive approach to road construction, ensuring proper inspections at every stage—from design to execution. A well-built road is not just a convenience; it is a lifeline for the community.
The government and licensing authorities bear a central responsibility in addressing these issues. Failing to act on these critical factors perpetuates a cycle of negligence, resulting in unnecessary tragedies. With rigorous driver assessments, better training for inspectors and stricter oversight of road construction, many of these accidents can be prevented.
The question remains: will the authorities rise to the challenge, or will they continue to ignore the silent killer lurking on Kashmir’s roads? Until real reforms are implemented, the blame for every preventable accident lies not only with the drivers but also with the system that allowed them to drive in the first place.
(Author is currently working as Demonstrator (Automobile Engineering) at KGP Srinagar)
