DEF Mokokchung has officially launched the “Traffic Safety Awareness Week” at the ADC Planning Hall on Tuesday with the theme “United for Road Safety.”
Akumtemjen Jamir, Assistant Regional Transport Officer of Mokokchung, spoke on ‘United for Road Safety,’ emphasizing that “Road Safety” refers to “the safety of people while using the roads.” He stressed that “There are clearly defined regulations and guidelines to follow when using the streets,” and it’s “required for all road users to follow them in order to ensure a safe and secure journey.” He added that these “Road Safety Rules” have been “formulated by the governments to protect everyone who travels on the roads.” Akumtemjen Jamir also highlighted the importance of instruments such as “sign boards, traffic signals, security cameras, dividers, and pedestrian paths” in ensuring road safety.
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In the data presented, according to the MoRTH Transport Research Wing, “a total number of 4,12,432 road accidents have been reported during the year 2021, claiming 1,53,972 lives and causing injuries to 3,84,448 persons.” Furthermore, he pointed out that “young adults in the age group of 18 – 45 years accounted for 67.6% of victims during 2021,” and “people in the working age group of 18 – 60 years share 84.5% of total road accident fatalities.”
Regarding the factors contributing to accidents, Akumtemjen Jamir noted “human factors like over speeding, careless driving, neglecting safety measures like not wearing seatbelts or helmets, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and underage driving.” He also highlighted issues with road design such as “poor lighting, black spots, faulty road design,” and deficiencies in vehicle conditions including “poor maintenance of vehicles, old vehicles more susceptible to failures, lack of airbags and seatbelts, and lack of ABS.”
Akumtemjen Jamir emphasized that “two-wheelers accounted for the highest accidents, followed by LMVs comprising cars, taxis, etc., and followed by heavy vehicles and buses.”
To raise public awareness about road safety, he explained that the Ministry undertakes “various publicity measures and awareness campaigns on road safety through social media, electronic media, and print media.” Additionally, he mentioned efforts to address black spots with “short-term measures such as cautionary road signs, markings, transverse bar markings, rumble strips, and solar blinkers,” along with long-term solutions like “flyovers, underpasses, foot over bridges, and service roads.”
Regarding safety features in vehicles, he stated that “fitment of front airbag for driver was mandated from 01st July 2019,” and “from 01st April 2021 for new models and 31st December 2021 for all models, fitment of co-driver airbag was also made mandatory.” He also highlighted the implementation of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for four-wheelers and 2-wheelers with engine capacity greater than 125 cc, starting from “01st April 2018 for new models and 01st April 2019 for all models.” For 2-wheelers with engine capacity less than or equal to 125 cc, ABS or Combined Braking System (CBS) must be fitted.
Lastly, he mentioned that the Ministry has mandated the use of speed limiting devices for all transport vehicles, except for specific categories, and the application of reflective tapes on buses, trucks, and trailers for better visibility. Additionally, he noted that the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 aims to bring reforms in various areas, including road safety enforcement and transparency.
Tizhisie Pojar, SDPO Hq Mokokchung, delivered a crucial message on “Traffic Safety and Awareness,” emphasizing the importance of preserving life and property. He noted that Mokokchung District has been witnessing a disturbing rise in accidents, particularly those involving drunk and reckless driving. He highlighted that 90 percent of these accidents could have been prevented.
Pojar stated that Mokokchung, as one of the fastest-growing districts in the state and a prime location for business, faces a challenge due to limited road expansion opportunities.
He shared statistics on the increasing number of registered vehicles in the district, stating, “The number of new registered vehicles in the district has seen a substantial rise, with 867 in 2020-21, 1227 in 2021-22, 1481 in 2022-23, and 589 in 2023-24, totalling more than four thousand registered vehicles.”
Pojar also provided detailed data on accidents, differentiating between cases where accidents were registered and those where they were not. He noted that, unfortunately, a significant number of accidents went unreported, lacking official details of damages, injuries, and fatalities.
Regarding the causes of accidents, he pointed out that drunken driving had been a concern in 2023, with one case reported. Rash driving was another issue, with 3 cases in 2020, 3 in 2021, 5 in 2022, and 5 in 2023. While none of the accidents involved Mechanical failures stating that individual responsibilities are very important.
Discussing injuries and fatalities, SDPO Hq Mokokchung mentioned, “Minor injuries were reported as nil in 2020, 1 in 2021, 14 in 2022, and 4 in 2023, while serious injuries were absent in 2020, 2021, and 2022, but one serious injury was reported in 2023. Fatalities recorded were 3 in 2020, 3 in 2021, 5 in 2022, and 7 in 2023.”
Pojar emphasized the importance of responsible driving, stating, “Traffic safety is a shared responsibility, and individuals must exercise caution and responsibility to prevent accidents.” He urged all drivers, regardless of vehicle type, to prioritize safety, including passenger safety, pedestrian safety, timely arrival, safe arrival, and vehicle safety.
Acknowledging responsible drivers, he stated, “All drivers bear the responsibility to adhere to the law.” He further cautioned taxi drivers to thoroughly inspect parcels they carry to prevent unintended involvement in illegal activities.
For general guidance, Pojar encouraged every individual to be responsible while driving and stressed that the road belongs to everyone. He urged vigilance when crossing roads and encouraged individuals to influence their friends positively.
Pojar called upon commercial vehicle associations to actively seek passenger feedback and encouraged passengers to report issues to the appropriate authorities if necessary.
Addressing the issue of drunken driving, he emphasized its significance and urged drivers to prioritize their lives and the safety of their passengers. He also stressed the importance of vehicle maintenance. Pojar assured the public that law enforcement agencies are there to serve and urged anyone witnessing accidents or unfortunate incidents to report them promptly, promising immediate action in accordance with the law.
The SDPO also highlighted the necessity of having a “First Aid kit” in every commercial vehicle, underlining its role in saving lives during accidents. He urged individuals to prioritize their safety and that of others during such critical moments.
In conclusion, Pojar advised against over-speeding, using mobile phones while driving, and letting personal family problems interfere with work. He also appealed to the Two-wheeler association to ensure passengers wear helmets for their safety during travel.
Short speeches were also delivered by Tongpang, President All Nagaland Taxi Association Mokokchung (ANTAM), Martoshi, Truck Union, Lanuakum, President Bus Union, Temjen, President Two Wheeler Taxi Association while Vote of thanks was delivered by Athangba I/C Traffic Mokokchung.
Certificate of Appreciation were awarded to Pangjungtemsu Kichu, Son of Ningshiremba Kichu hailing from Khensa Village, as the Best Driver of Four Wheelers Taxi and Mürangnükün, son of Yashinungsang hailing from Longkhum Village, as the Best Rider of Two Wheelers Taxi in Mokokchung Town during Traffic Awareness and Safety.
The campaign will run till 30th September 2023.
Read more: Mokokchung Traffic Cell to conduct “Traffic Safety Awareness Week” to promote Road Safety
