DC Zunheboto Rahul Bhanudas Mali along with others officials at the culminating event of the National Road Safety Month on February 1. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | February 2
An unexpected twist emerged during the recent month-long road safety awareness drive in Zunheboto when it was discovered that three vehicles from the same owner were sharing the same registration number.
The specific case, which occurred in Atoizu during one of the awareness drives, was cited by Er Hukayi Awomi, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Zunheboto, while highlighting the need for proper registration as an essential road safety practice.
Speaking to the media at the culminating event of the National Road Safety Month (January 1-31), held under the theme, "Parwaah karenge, Surakshit Rahenge" (Will Take Care to Stay Safe) at the Deputy Commissioner Conference Hall, the ARTO also pointed out that many vehicles in the region were unregistered.
Efforts to register two-wheeler taxis, initiated in 2023, have not received any response, he said, while pointing to the potential economic benefits for unemployed youth and the transportation burden on students.
However, Awomi underscored that the district office is trying to encourage and convert all taxi owners to obtain valid permits and licences.
He further raised the issue of the lack of proper infrastructure, such as driving test tracks and sufficient space to provide driver licences in Zunheboto.
The ARTO also noted that carrying more than seven passengers in taxis (Tata Sumo) is a punishable offence, as per the regulations.
Awomi also stated that the main reason for conducting such drives was to cover essential road safety practices.
These practices included wearing helmets on two-wheelers, using dipper lights, and avoiding distractions like phone usage while driving.
He explained that human error is responsible for about 95% of accidents, while mechanical failures account for the remaining 5%.
Awomi, along with Akhumba Chang, Motor Vehicle Inspector, reported that the awareness drives successfully reached multiple locations in Zunheboto district, including Atoizu, Aghunato, and Satakha.
Aimed at reducing accidents by educating the public on safe driving practices, vehicle registration, and traffic regulations, the drives received a good response, they maintained.
Meanwhile, Chang informed that applications for driving licences at RTO Zunheboto are accepted every Tuesday and Thursday. The fee for an initial learner's licence is Rs. 350, while the fee for obtaining a smart driving licence is Rs. 1,200.
Earlier, speaking at the event, DC Zunheboto Rahul Bhanudas Mali highlighted alarming statistics about road accidents in India, urging the adoption of road safety practices.
Despite owning only 1% of the global vehicle fleet, India accounts for 10% of road accidents worldwide, he highlighted, adding that a total of 474 people die daily in India from road accidents, surpassing fatalities from diseases.
States like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have the highest road accident rates in the country, he added.
Further, Dr Tiamenla Phom, Additional Superintendent of Police Zunheboto, and Lanuyanger Ao, Motor Vehicle Checker (MVC), respectively shared on the importance of the National Road Safety Programme and road safety violations and penalties.
Er Neuketoulhou Mejura, District Transport Officer Zunheboto, chaired the culminating event, which also saw a welcome address by L Chinglem Konyak, EAC Zunheboto, and a vote of thanks by Hukatoli H. Awomi, Counsellor, Zunheboto Town Council.
