Morung Photo
Zeluosielie Kehie
Sovima Village, Chümoukedima
Road safety refers to the safety rules/measures that must be adopted by everyone while using roads to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries or causalities. These rules must be followed by all users of roads including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and bus and truck drivers. Safety methods also relate to the construction, layout of roads as well as enforcement of traffic regulation systems.
Road safety is a critical concern globally, and Nagaland is no exception. Nagaland ranks high when it comes to number of accidents compared to its size and population. With the rapid increase in the number of vehicles in Nagaland, the traffic conditions are under a lot of pressure. Therefore, road safety is one of the most serious public issues in our state affecting everyone-whether one drives, walks or cycle.
The surge in road accidents and related fatalities demands immediate and urgent attention and a comprehensive strategy to address this pressing issue. Nagaland’s road network, with its hilly terrain and narrow stretches, presents unique challenges. Inadequate infrastructure, reckless driving, over-speeding, and lack of awareness worsen the situation. Unless addressed comprehensively, these issues will continue to threaten lives and slow down socio-economic growth.
Road safety is of paramount importance, safeguarding lives and ensuring the well-being of communities worldwide. Firstly, it prevents tragedies by reducing the risk of accidents and the resulting loss of life and limb. Road accidents inflict immeasurable pain on families and strain healthcare systems. Secondly, road safety plays a pivotal role in economic prosperity. It enables efficient transportation of goods and services, bolstering economic growth. Moreover, reduced accident rates translate to lower healthcare costs and productivity losses. Thus, prioritizing road safety is not just a moral duty but also a sound economic and social investment that fosters a safer, more prosperous society.
Some of the major causes of road accidents are:
• Lack of proper highway safety measures
• Drunken driving
• Driving in an exhausted state
• Using cell phone while driving
• Over-speeding or rash driving
• Driving in wrong lanes
• Turning without giving signal
• Overtaking from wrong side
Role of Government:
• Develop stricter road safety polices and enforce them effectively
• Generate or allocate funds for road safety awareness campaigns
• Improve road infrastructure and networks
Here, I do not intend to undermine the government, as it is evident that they are making earnest efforts to maintain and improve the roads in Nagaland.
Role of General Community:
• Accept and follow road safety rules, regulations and policies responsibly
• Participate in road safety awareness drives and support road safety initiatives
• Role of Education Sector:
• Include road safety modules in school curricula
• Organize sessions of road safety education experts for students
• Provide effective training for learners as well as existing drivers
Role of Media:
• Spread road safety messages through print and electronic platforms
• Support awareness drives with responsible reporting
There are various methods of creating awareness among common public such as seminars, workshops, students education by adding basic road-safety lessons to syllabus, make people aware about cross code i.e. stop, look, listen, think and then cross, understanding of road signs etc. Following road safety tips could help to protect all the road problems. Some effective measures of road safety are: basic awareness about vehicle, defensive driving according to weather and road conditions, following traffic rules, wearing seat belts, avoiding over-speeding, awareness programmes etc. Everyone should undergo a complete driving course under the guidance of an authorized instructor before starting to drive on the roads. It can be seen that road safety is a collective responsibility. Addressing road safety in Nagaland necessitates a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. Therefore each one of us has to take steps required of us. Government bodies, law enforcing agencies, non-governmental organizations and the general public must work together to create a safer road environment.
Key Challenges
• Geographical Challenges: Nagaland’s diverse topography, with hills and valleys, presents inherent difficulties for road construction and maintenance. Steep gradients and winding roads demand specialized engineering solutions to enhance safety.
• Infrastructure Deficiency: The state’s road infrastructure is often sub-par, with inadequate signage, poorly maintained roads. Investments in upgrading infrastructure are crucial to mitigate accidents.
• Driver Behaviour: Reckless driving, over-speeding and disregard for traffic rules contribute significantly to road accidents.
• Vehicle Condition: Many accidents occur due to poorly maintained vehicles. Regular inspections, mandatory maintenance checks, and stringent enforcement of vehicle fitness standards can help reduce accidents caused by technical failures.
• Lack of Awareness: Many people lack knowledge about road safety rules and practices. Public awareness campaigns, especially targeting existing drivers, schools and colleges, can play a pivotal role in fostering a safety-conscious culture
Propose Solutions Infrastructure Development:
a) Invest in the improvement of road infrastructure, focusing on widening and smoothening of critical stretches.
b) Install clear and visible road signage, warning signboards, and speed limit indicators.
c) Construct barriers and railings in accident-prone areas to prevent vehicles from veering off the road.
Educational Initiatives:
a) Introduce mandatory road safety education in school curricula to instill a sense of responsibility from an early age.
b) Conduct regular workshops and seminars for drivers, emphasizing safe driving practices and adherence to traffic rules.
c) Collaborate with local communities and NGOs to organize awareness campaigns on the importance of road safety.
Law Enforcement:
a) Increase patrolling and surveillance in accident-prone areas.
b) Conduct regular awareness programmes for traffic police officers to enhance their knowledge and skills.
c) Facilitate training programmes for traffic police on effective communication and community engagement.
NGOs and Community Involvement:
a) Launch grassroots-level awareness campaigns on road safety.
b) Establish community-driven initiatives for regular road maintenance and cleanliness.
c) Engage in advocacy to garner public support and participation in road safety initiatives.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection:
a) Establish regular vehicle inspection centers to ensure vehicles meet safety standards.
b) Implement strict penalties for driving vehicles that do not comply with safety regulations.
c) Encourage periodic maintenance through awareness campaigns and incentives for responsible vehicle owners.
Emergency Response System:
a) Develop a robust emergency response system to provide timely medical assistance in case of accidents.
b) Train first responders, including police and medical personnel, in handling road accident situations efficiently.
c) Establish help-lines and communication channels to report accidents and request assistance promptly.
Awareness Campaigns:
a) School Programmes: Integrate road safety education into school curricula to instill awareness and responsible behavior from a young age.
b) Community Engagement: Conduct community workshops, seminars and awareness programmes to educate residents about road safety and foster a sense of responsibility.
Road safety in Nagaland requires a holistic and collective approach. Every stakeholder-government, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, the education sector, media, and the general public-must work together to ensure safer roads. By adhering to traffic rules, maintaining vehicles, educating communities, and improving infrastructure, we can reduce accidents and save countless lives.
A future where every journey is a safe journey is possible if we act responsibly and consistently. Road safety is not just a rule-it is a responsibility.
