Editor,
It is disheartening to note that hardly a day passes by without news of accidents on our roads. According to various reports, there have been over 15 fatal road accidents, not to mention numerous minor accidents, in the past eight months alone.
As per the 2022 survey published by the Road Transport & Highways Ministry, Arunachal Pradesh ranked second in the country in terms of road accidents resulting in deaths, with a shocking fatality rate of 65%.
What is even more concerning is that many of these accidents occur on well-constructed roads. Therefore, we cannot entirely blame poor road conditions.
The primary responsibility lies with drivers, and to an extent the authorities. Violation of traffic rules remains one of the major causes of these accidents. Another factor contributing significantly to accidents is drunk driving. India’s permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.03%, the same as in countries like Japan and South Korea. Yet, our road accident and fatality figures are dramatically higher than theirs. This clearly points to poor enforcement of laws and reckless behaviour on the roads.
To tackle this crisis, we must adopt strict measures. Proper driver training should be made mandatory before issuing licences, and heavy penalties must be imposed on those holding fake licences. In addition, regular breathalyzer tests should be conducted during night hours to prevent drunk driving.
The rising number of road accidents is not just a statistic; it is a human tragedy that demands immediate and decisive action.
Pks