With 88 people dead and over 1,000 injured in road accidents across Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch during the first seven months of 2023, Traffic Police Rural Jammu has intensified efforts to curb violations related to two-wheelers. Official reports reveal that the Police booked 8,675 violators as part of a special drive conducted between September 1 and 14.
This targeted initiative emerged following an analysis of accident data, which indicated significant involvement of two-wheelers in crashes across these districts. A spokesperson from the traffic police stated that accidents involving two-wheelers accounted for a staggering 44 percent of the total crashes reported during this period.
The comprehensive analysis from January 1 to July 31 highlights that a total of 699 accidents were documented, resulting in 88 fatalities and injuries to 1,001 persons.
Out of the 699 accidents, two-wheelers played a role in 309 accidents, including 39 fatal accidents. Notably, 384 individuals sustained injuries in incidents involving two-wheelers. The spokesperson added that 144 cases were identified as single-vehicle accidents where two-wheelers were the only vehicles involved.
When examining the location of these accidents, the data revealed that on National Highways, 41 percent of accidents corresponded to two-wheelers, while on other roads, this statistic rose to 47 percent.
Alarmingly, nearly 27 percent of the accident victims were aged below 26 years, highlighting the urgency of addressing road safety among younger populations. Of the 699 accidents, 445 involved only single vehicles, further underscoring the dangers posed by two-wheelers.
In response to these distressing statistics, Traffic Police Rural Jammu initiated a detailed awareness and enforcement campaign spanning all four districts. The drive coupled strict enforcement with educational efforts aimed at improving road safety.
During the campaign, traffic authorities issued a total of 8,675 challans. Among these, 5,767 riders faced penalties for riding without helmets, while 1,152 pillion riders were fined for similar infractions. Authorities also recorded another 1,106 violations for triple riding.
Additional enforcement actions included booking 188 riders for using mobile phones while driving, 260 for dangerous driving, and 146 for lacking a valid driving license. There were three instances of minors illegally operating two-wheelers, resulting in vehicle seizures. Overall, authorities confiscated 187 vehicles for various traffic offenses during this special drive.
Moreover, the campaign featured 267 awareness programs at educational institutions, bus stands, and public venues to educate communities, particularly the youth, about road safety norms and relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
In tandem with these activities, Traffic Police Rural Jammu conducted on-road counseling sessions in Rajouri and Poonch. These unique programs, employing the innovative “no-challan, only counseling” approach, focused on engaging with road users directly.
During these sessions, which took place under designated canopies, participants received guidance on helmet use, traffic discipline, and safe driving practices, emphasizing the severe consequences of risky behavior on roads.
No challans were issued during these counseling sessions as the priority remained on dialogue and education rather than penalties. This strategy aimed to foster a deeper understanding of traffic safety among the community.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic Rural Jammu, Farooq Qaiser, confirmed that similar special drives targeting other vehicle categories, including Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), will be rolled out soon. He urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, warning that the police will continue to enforce stringent penalties against violators to safeguard public safety.
