Underage, reckless driving poses risk of accidents in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jun 22: Underage driving has raised alarm among the people who seek stringent measures to prevent violation of traffic rules in Srinagar.

Multiple deaths in Srinagar last month due to road accidents have again brought the issue of road safety into the limelight. Srinagarites have decried traffic violations, including speeding and underage driving, arguing that these risks endanger the lives of commuters and pedestrians in Srinagar.

To mention, at least three persons, including a minor girl, lost their lives in two separate accidents in Srinagar last month. The Srinagarites said that despite major accidents involving minors, the drive against these issues has slowed down in Srinagar. "We remember that last year, when the Tengpora accident happened, killing two teenagers, the whole of Kashmir was in shock. The traffic police woke up to the issue, and a visible change was evident on the ground due to a heavy crackdown on underage driving, speeding, and other violations. We want the same strictness back on the roads, especially regarding the underage driving and speeding of vehicles," said Muhammad Sultan, a pedestrian at Lal Chowk.

The commuters said that in addition to traffic violations, the roads have become unsafe due to encroachment. They said that vendors have also occupied the footpaths across Srinagar. They said that the issue has become worse due to roadside parking.

"The encroachment of footpaths by vendors is forcing pedestrians to walk on roads amid heavy traffic. This is making them prone to accidents. There is the issue of roadside parking that is not only hindering the smooth flow of traffic but also increasing the risk of accidents," said Fayaz Ahmad, a pedestrian in Downtown.

Srinagarites have urged traffic authorities to tighten the noose around the traffic violators. They said that the lack of Zebra crossings and signboards for commuters and pedestrians is adding to these issues.

"Srinagar city is not commuter or pedestrian friendly despite investing huge money in Smart City projects. We hope that the government will look into these issues and address them," a commuter said.

A senior official from the Traffic police said that they have not stopped the drives and they will intensify them to ensure that traffic violators are nabbed.

“We have launched fresh drives against two-wheelers for violating traffic rules and rash driving. We also targeted those riding without helmets, and many vehicles were seized. We will continue drives against all violations, including underage driving and speeding, to ensure that public safety on roads is enhanced,” said the official.