Road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir have unfortunately become a new normal. The administration refuse to see it for what it is—a crisis in offing. This is a public health emergency that requires immediate action. One of the most productive measures to bring down accidents is zero tolerance enforcement.
Strong policing reduces the risk for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, who must be compelled to wear helmets. In spite of fast-paced motorisation, Jammu and Kashmir does not have a scientific accident investigation agency.
Police and Transport authorities need to gear up their respective enforcement wings and conduct regular check of vehicles ensuring that there is no violation of Motor Vehicle Act, overloading, seat belt and helmet during driving.
A scientific study on public transport in hilly areas of the J&K especially in Chenab Valley need to be carried out and a comprehensive replacement model needs to be put in place so that such vehicles are totally phased out in a time bound manner. The process for procuring Critical Care Ambulances needs to be initiated, to be sanctioned for taking care of accident victims on the National Highway.
A high level committee needs to be constituted to look into the causes of frequent road accidents especially in Jammu region and suggest measures to prevent such accidents that devour precious human lives day in and day out.
Above all, without an empowered oversight, it is impossible to eliminate systemic corruption in vehicle certification and licensing of drivers, and poor monitoring of roadworthiness of commercial vehicles. The J&K government should act against the alarming accidents that are consuming precious human lives, now almost on a daily basis.
