Imlisanen Jamir
The horrific high-speed car crash that killed three people at the 4th Mile Diphupar ‘A’ junction in Dimapur on January 9 should be a trigger to devise action plans to prevent such deaths.
Ever since the completion of the four lane highway stretch from Dimapur to Chümoukedima, much has been said about traffic rules enforcement and road safety measures. Despite what can be seen as nothing but token measures by enforcement authorities on curbing speeding and rash driving, accidents on this particular stretch has been a regular occurrence.
The recent tragic accident of January 9 was swiftly followed by a hit and run when a truck reportedly hit a motorcycle injuring two people. These most recent incidents only skim the scores of close calls, and other traffic transgressions that happen on this road daily.
While rash driving and refusal of people to practice safe driving is a cause, the role of the authorities has been severely lacking. Street lights for one, despite being installed throughout the stretch, frequently do not work. The absence of proper reflectors and some incomprehensible placements of turnaround gaps are also issues that need to be addressed immediately.
Meanwhile, the ever present danger of drunk driving continues unabated. Any effort to curb this menace has been sorely inadequate.
If all the stakeholders are identified and then a collective initiative is taken, there is no reason we can't avoid road accidents, and thus save lives. For this, the concerned authorities must undertake some massive exercise and sensitise people towards their responsibilities. But before doing that the government should take a look at the condition of roads and identify the reasons for accidents.
Rather than doing some patch work, if some serious fault is found in our roads it needs to be addressed forthwith. Similarly the management of traffic, and serious action against rash and careless driving is needed.
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
