Former Chief Minister Advocates for Enhanced Road Safety Measures

Dharamshala, January 27, 2024: Former Chief Minister and former Union Minister Shanta Kumar expressed grave concern over the rising number of road accidents in Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing the urgent need to implement stringent measures to mitigate this alarming trend. Highlighting the pervasive culture of haste, recklessness, and alcohol consumption among drivers, Kumar underscored the devastating impact of road accidents on innocent lives.

Kumar revealed that approximately four thousand fatalities and ten thousand injuries result from road accidents in Himachal Pradesh annually, with a staggering 80 percent attributed to speeding, alcohol consumption, and traffic violations. He stressed that a 50 percent reduction in these accidents could potentially save the lives of two thousand individuals each year and alleviates the financial burden on the government incurred due to vehicular damage and medical expenses.

Proposing practical solutions, Kumar urged the government to install modern surveillance devices on roads to detect and penalize drivers who flout traffic regulations. He suggested imposing hefty fines of Rs 5,000 for first-time offenders and Rs 20,000 for repeat violations, asserting that stringent enforcement would serve as a deterrent and significantly reduce accidents.

Furthermore, Kumar advocated for a recognition program to honor skilled and responsible drivers. He proposed that drivers with a clean record over ten years receive a monthly salary increase of Rs 5,000, while those maintaining an accident-free record for twenty years be granted a monthly increment of Rs 10,000. Moreover, drivers retiring without any accidents should be accorded special recognition and awarded Rs 10 lakh. Kumar estimated that the funds allocated for these honors would be offset by the substantial savings resulting from accident prevention.

 Applauding Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri's initiative to honor women drivers, Kumar reiterated the importance of proactive measures to promote road safety and preserve precious lives. He urged the government to prioritize the implementation of these recommendations to curb the incidence of road accidents and foster a culture of responsible driving in Himachal Pradesh.