Shanta Kumar lauds Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for reducing road accident deaths

Dharamshala, October 17, 2024: Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister, Shanta Kumar, has commended Aam Aadmi Party leader and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for taking significant steps to reduce road accident fatalities in Punjab. 

In a press release issued today, Kumar praised Mann for establishing a special police team dedicated to providing immediate treatment to those injured in road accidents, a move that has reportedly led to a 40% reduction in deaths from such incidents.

Shanta Kumar urged Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to adopt similar measures to curb road accidents in the state. Highlighting that 90% of accidents in India are caused by speeding, drunk driving, and traffic violations, he emphasized the role of stricter enforcement to deter reckless driving.

He suggested that a stringent law should be enacted, imposing a minimum fine of Rs. 25,000 and the cancellation of driving licenses for six months for offenders caught speeding, driving under the influence, or breaking road safety rules. Kumar advocated for a month-long public awareness campaign before implementing such measures, expressing confidence that road accidents could decrease by 70-80%.

"More people lose their lives in road accidents than in epidemics or wars, which is a tragedy. As the population grows, the number of vehicles on the road increases even more," he added, underscoring the urgent need for action.