Header Ads

Central Zone sees a sharp drop in road fatalities

'Awareness on Wheels' police vehicle equipped with an LED TV displaying video footage of road accidents in Tiruchi.M. SrinathM_SRINATH

Law enforcers say it is due to a series of awareness campaigns on the danger of violating rules
Fatalities caused by road accidents have come down substantially in the Central Zone encompassing eight districts, so far, this calendar year.

A sharp decline in the number of persons killed in fatal accidents in the first half of this year has come as a relief to the law enforcers who relate the positive impact to a series of mass road safety awareness campaigns alongside enforcement and other road safety measures organised across the zone.

Interestingly, the decline in the rate of fatalities is noticeable in all the eight districts.

Police sources say that the drop in the fatalities was to the extent of 36% in the Zone from January to June-end this year when compared to the corresponding duration last year.

Police statistics state that the number of those killed in accidents in the zone was 829 from January to June last week this year. This was substantially lower than the corresponding period last year when the fatality figures stood at 1,313.

Thanjavur district topped in the Central Zone in respect of drastic reduction in fatalities by over 50% this time. Casualty figures dropped to 119 in the first half of the current year and it was 257 during the corresponding period of the previous year.

The sources said Ariyalur district also witnessed a drop of 50% in respect of number of those killed in accidents. In Tiruchi district, the fatalities were 183 in the first half this year as compared to 260 during the corresponding period of last year.

Reduction in fatalities in other districts were as follows: Pudukottai 36%; Karur 30.3%; Nagapattinam 30. 95%; Tiruvarur 27.5% and Perambalur 25%. Police say statistics on fatalities were compiled taking into account accident cases reported in all types of roads: village road, other thoroughfares, state highways and national highways.

A senior police officer said alongside enforcement measures sustained awareness campaigns were being conducted across the zone driving home to the vehicle users the danger of violating rules.

The Tiruchi Rural Police, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam districts have deployed a "Awareness on Wheels" vehicle to carry out road-safety related campaigns.

Equipped with a slew of cameras on the vehicle's exterior and a monitor inside, the vehicle has been moving across Tiruchi district to spread the message of safety. Police say a LED monitor is fitted outside the vehicle to display simulated footages of accidents and the ways to avoid them.

The "Awareness on Wheels" is regularly sent to educational institutions and stationed at vantage places where public assembled in large numbers including bus stand. The footages are meant to create safety awareness among them, says a police officer.

Apart from over-speeding, negligence and poor lighting on roads are also listed as causes for fatal accidents, say the police.

In Ariyalur district where there is heavy movement of goods carriers due to the presence of several cement factories, reflectors have been fixed at the rear of goods vehicles and even bullock carts as a safety precaution during night hours.

Police authorities say caution boards were being installed at narrow bridges to alert vehicle users and at vulnerable spots.

The law enforcers were coordinating with the highway authorities to carry out road engineering works wherever required.

In addition to these, awareness campaigns would be carried out continuously alongside enforcement to bring about further reduction in deaths on roads, said an officer.

source

No comments

Powered by Blogger.