Expressing concern over the deaths and other mishaps due to road accidents, the state traffic directorate has decided to launch a two-week statewide road safety drive from Friday in Lucknow. The decision comes after chief minister, Yogi Adityanath expressed concern for increasing deaths in road accidents in Uttar Pradesh. Secretary, home, Bhagwan Swarup said, “The two-week drive will continue across the state from 28 July to 10 August.”
“Action will be taken against those found moving on motorcycles without helmet, driving cars without seat belt, talking on mobile phones while driving car, those who have installed hooters, pressure horns, black film, driving vehicles above the speed limit and driving vehicles after consuming liquor,” he stated.
Speaking in the State Assembly on Thursday, Adityanath had said, “Daily, a large number of people die in road accidents across the state.”
He appealed to the lawmakers to take initiative to check road accidents and said, “There is a need for coordinated efforts by all the government departments. I held a meeting with the ADG, traffic, over the issue and discussed the measures required to check road accidents. There is need of public awareness over the issue.”
Swarup added that 19,320 people died in the state in road accidents in 2016. In a study conducted by the traffic department, it was found that 30% of the people driving two wheelers died in the accident and 59% of them were not wearing helmets. 16% of deaths were due to using mobile phones while driving, while 79% people died as they were not using seat belts while driving. Deaths due to over speeding were reported to be at 34%.
“15% of the people died as they were driving vehicles after consuming liquor or intoxicants,” he said.
The superintendents of police have been asked to ensure that policemen do not indulge in the illegal collection during the drive, they do not either misbehave with people or harass patients, physically disabled persons, women and senior citizens during the drive.
School and office hours should be taken care of during the drive.
The Traffic Directorate will be regularly updated by the district police and will receive the final report on 12 August. Surprise checks will be conducted by traffic officers in various areas. Teams will be also sent for videography and photography of the road safety drive.
