Bhanjanagar: With Ganjam district topping the chart of accident fatalities in the state for past three years in a row, the authorities are doing everything they can to ensure riders and drivers follow traffic rules.
In an attempt to create awareness among the people and force them to follow the rules, Bhanjanagar sub collector Rajendra Kumar Minj has said that motorcycle riders and car drivers won’t be able to enter his office premises without wearing helmets and seat belts.
In the first seven months of the year, Bhanjanagar subdivision has witnessed a decrease of 30 percent in accident fatalities, compared to the figure in the corresponding period last year. Yet, the district being at the top of the accident fatality list is a cause of concern for the administration.
Road accidents claimed 381 lives in 2017 and 404 in 2018 in Ganjam. Between January and July last year, 53 lives were lost to a total of 65 accidents in Bhanjanagar subdivision. During the same period this year, 39 people died in 54 accidents.
Official data suggests, Ganjam being the most populated district in the state, the number accidents here are higher than other districts. That said, careless and fast driving, not using helmets and seat belts coupled with drunk driving are said to be catalysts to the already high accident rate.
The district administration has taken a number of steps since last three years to bring the number of road mishaps down in the district. Yet, the percentage of accidents is on the rise, suggesting that the measures are practically not being followed.
When contacted, Bhanjnagar regional transport officer (RTO) S. Ray said stringent action will be taken against the unruly drivers in the coming days. New traffic rules will be implemented after getting the President’s nod.
Once it is in force, one will have to cough up Rs 1,000 for not wearing seat belt, Rs 10,000 for drunk driving and Rs 1,000 and cancellation of license for three months for not wearing helmet. Similarly, if a minor is caught driving or riding, a fine of Rs 25,000 will be collected from parents. The parents might have to undergo a three-year imprisonment as well. Rs 5,000 in fine will be collected from a rider or a driver if he is found riding or driving while talking on mobile phones. If anyone is found willfully obstructing the road of ambulances or fire engines, Rs 10,000 fine will be collected from them. A fine of Rs 5,000 will be collected if someone is caught riding or driving without license, he informed.
PNN