Reviving Road Discipline
The recent tragic road accident in Handwara has sent shockwaves across the Kashmir Valley. The loss of two young college students and the injuries sustained by many others have once again brought the issue of road safety to the forefront. On an average Kashmir witnesses over 16 road accidents every single day leading to nearly 1000 deaths annually. Shockingly around 20% of these incidents involve teenagers whose lack of experience, and recklessness significantly heighten the risks on our roads.
Despite widespread awareness about road safety measures a persistent disregard for road discipline remains evident. This negligence is not only the fault of drivers but also of traffic authorities tasked with enforcement. Roads themselves don’t cause accidents – drivers do. And we all know why – over-speeding overtaking underage driving and a sheer lack of accountability. Unless traffic rules are followed and strictly enforced, we will continue to lose lives unnecessarily.
Roads connect us to our workplaces, schools and homes. Yet we often see drivers overtaking recklessly behaving as if they own the road causing long traffic jams and unnecessary public inconvenience. At many junctions where vehicles are supposed to move in a single line chaos prevails. It’s easy to blame the government but the real fault lies with us and the lack of civic sense we display on the roads. Over the past few years road infrastructure in Kashmir has improved significantly. Newly constructed roads have helped save time and made commuting easier. But without behavioural change these advancements are in vain.
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate road accidents, we can certainly reduce them through individual responsibility and systemic reform. Here are five actionable steps
- Practice Personal Accountability
We must curb over speeding, avoid reckless overtaking and follow basic traffic rules. Most accidents occur because drivers ignore these simple principles. Enforcement alone is not enough – self-awareness and responsibility are just as crucial.
- Embrace Technology
We live in a digital age where technology can significantly ease traffic management. Installing surveillance systems at traffic-prone areas can deter violations. These systems can automatically detect offences and issue online challans. Linking all vehicle owners to the banking and traffic system will ensure timely penalties and reduce the need for physical policing.
- Tackle Unlicensed and Underage Driving
Merely fining underage or unlicensed drivers has proven ineffective. Their vehicles should be seized and stricter penalties should be enforced. At the same time the government must establish dedicated driving institutions that provide both training and awareness. These centres will not only improve public safety but also generate revenue and promote a culture of disciplined driving.
- Strengthen On-Ground Presence
Traffic police must be visibly present at busy intersections marketplaces and accident-prone zones to manage flow and deter rule-breaking. Additionally clear signage speed limit indicators and road safety boards should be placed at strategic points to educate and remind drivers.
- 5. Institutionalise Rapid Response and Local Enforcement
Every police station should have a dedicated traffic unit to respond to violations in real time. With minimal manpower this unit can operate efficiently using technological support reducing both accidents and daily traffic chaos.
Above all what we need is moral education and community counselling. Keeping our conscience alive and instilling respect for public property are vital. Roads are not just infrastructure – they are lifelines. Violating them is a form of collective self-destruction.
Through a mix of personal responsibility technology and institutional reform we can make our roads safer. The time to act is now – before another life is lost to negligence that is both preventable and unacceptable.
