Jamshedpur: In a shocking revelation, 17 people lost their lives in road accidents last month in East Singhbhum district, with most victims riding without helmets. The alarming figure has prompted the district administration to intensify enforcement of traffic rules and road safety measures.
The issue came to light during a meeting on traffic and road safety held at the Collectorate auditorium under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi. The meeting focused on preventing road accidents, ensuring strict compliance with traffic regulations, and expediting compensation in hit-and-run cases.
Reviewing the data, the Deputy Commissioner expressed serious concern over helmetless riding, stating that most fatalities were directly linked to negligence on the part of drivers. Officials further identified wrong-side driving, overspeeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol as major contributors to road accidents.
Taking a stern stance, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to impose fines on reckless drivers and initiate the cancellation of driving licenses for serious violations. He also instructed that bus operators be held accountable for overloading passengers and making frequent unscheduled stops on roads, which often lead to accidents.
Strict action was also ordered against vehicles that do not meet fitness standards or are too old to ply on roads. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to identify and address accident-prone zones, directing that corrective measures be implemented not only at already identified black spots but also at newly emerging accident sites.
Highlighting the importance of awareness, he directed officials to conduct campaigns in schools and colleges to educate students about traffic rules and responsible driving. Regular inspections were also ordered across both urban and rural police station areas to ensure compliance.
In view of the role of alcohol in accidents, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the Excise Department to keep a close watch on illegal sale and consumption of liquor, particularly in the vicinity of liquor shops.
The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed compensation in hit-and-run cases and directed officials to ensure that pending cases are resolved promptly and financial assistance is provided without delay to affected families.
To promote a culture of responsibility and humanitarian assistance, the administration also decided to recognize individuals who help road accident victims under the Good Samaritan Scheme.
Senior officials, including Forest Division Officer Shabba Alam Ansari, SP (Rural) Rishabh Garg, Railway SP Ajit Kumar, SDM Dhalbhum Arnav Mishra, ADM Law and Order Rahul Anand, ADC Santosh Garg, DTO Dhananjay, SDO Ghatshila Sunil Chandra, DSP Traffic, DSP Headquarters, and representatives of the Transport Association, were present at the meeting.
