Kohar bats for safer commuting in foggy weather

Chandigarh, November 21, 2014: Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister, Punjab, has issued directions to various departments to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of commuters and avoid traffic accidents caused by foggy weather this winter season.

Stating this here today the Minister said that during winters, when the visibility is low due to weather conditions, the number of road accidents increases which can be prevented by taking simple measures. Kohar has directed all district transport officers to ensure that vehicles such as tractor-trolleys, rickshaws, cycles etc. that have no lights must be made to have reflectors so that they may be visible to others on the road. Such commuters are at a very high risk of fatality and incidents involving vehicles with no lights are very high during this time of the year. Such accidents could be prevented with the help of enforcing mandatory reflectors on these vehicles.

Kohar has further instructed the Public Works Department to put up signage, informational hoardings and milestones for the safety of the public. He has asked the officers concerned to ensure that wherever there is any road repair/construction going on, warning signages must be placed. Also, for bridges that do not have any railings, especially in rural areas and along canal banks, an iron or concrete fencing must be built on priority.

All traffic and police officers have been asked to ensure that traffic rules are followed and are enforced strictly. They have been instructed to take serious action against violators, especially those drunken driving, over-speeding or that park/stop on flyovers and elevated roads. Offences like overloading of merchandise in transport vehicles or people in buses or autos will not be spared and will be challaned heavily or worse.

The Minister also made a fervent appeal to the public not to break any traffic rules and follow road rules while driving. They must be aware of hand signals and drive with caution while giving other commuters a clear path. Under no circumstances must they speed or wrongfully overtake other vehicles in such weather. If the public takes precaution themselves, then there will be less road accidents. All important documents must be carried at all times and in case of any emergency, the government has provided 24-hour ambulances that can be made use of by the public.

He has further asked the Meteorological Department to give daily predictions about the weather so that the public can be prepared. In addition, he informed that measures will be taken to educate people of traffic rules, especially the youth and children in schools through seminars and programs. He has also proposed that such information be included in the syllabus for students. 

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