Month after Tengpora tragedy, collaborative efforts by govt, people aim to ensure road safety

Srinagar, Dec 15: The horrendous accident that claimed the lives of two minors at Tengpora area on Srinagar outskirts a month ago shook Kashmir to its core. A speeding Thar vehicle driven by a minor crashed on the road, killing two children on the spot and grievously injuring two others. The accident not only brought unbearable grief to the victims’ families but also served as a grim wake-up call for society.

A month later, Kashmir has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with parents, institutions, and authorities rallying together to prevent such tragedies in the future. Speaking to Greater Kashmir, SSP Traffic Srinagar Muzaffar Ahmed Shah reflected on the change: Before the tragedy, we had been urging parents to act and stop minors from driving, but we received little support. After Tengpora, the entire society has come forward to take responsibility. From schools and petrol stations to traders and media outlets, every stakeholder is playing a role in raising awareness and enforcing road safety.

The tragedy has galvanised a collective effort to curb underage driving. Schools have been educating students on the dangers of reckless driving and disallowing any child from driving to school, while petrol stations have refused fuel to underage drivers. Parents, too, have become more vigilant, ensuring their children are kept away from steering wheels and motorbikes.

According to the SSP, these combined efforts have led to a noticeable drop in traffic violations by minors. "It’s not just about enforcement anymore—parents and communities have taken ownership of the issue," he said. But he cautioned against complacency: This must not be a knee-jerk reaction from people. In J&K, if we want to save lives being lost in accidents, we have to ensure that we adhere to traffic rules, each and every traffic rule.

The media, both print and electronic, has played a crucial role in disseminating information about the dangers of underage driving and the legal repercussions. Newly introduced sections have been disseminated to public and penalising parents of minor drivers further discouraging such behavior. “People are looking upto us,” he said.

Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari who was recently transferred from the post of RTO Kashmir believes that the society was “woken up”. Our department witnessed a sharp rise in driving license applications and renewals of learner’s permits since the accident. "Previously, many would misuse learner’s licenses on the roads. Now, there’s a shift towards compliance," he said.

The official also highlighted improvements in safety practices, with helmet compliance now exceeding 90% and seatbelt usage becoming more common. "The whole society is coming together to prioritise safety," he added.

CCTV footage of the Tengpora accident showed the speeding Thar crashing and taking two innocent lives in an instant. This tragic incident mirrored a similar fatal accident at the same spot years ago. The injured victims from November 14 have now been discharged from the hospital, but the incident has left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of Kashmir.

While the initial response has been promising, the SSP cautioned against complacency. "It’s unfortunate that it took such a tragedy for this message to sink in, but we must sustain this momentum. If all stakeholders continue their efforts, we can make this change permanent and tackle other traffic violations as well," he said.

He emphasised the broader implications of traffic safety, reminding people of the hundreds of lives lost every year to preventable road accidents. "Safety must come first. Parents must realise that letting their children drive is a risk not worth taking," he added.