After witnessing a consistent increase in the number of
road-related vehicular accidents in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland
districts for years, the recent report of decline in such cases over the last
few years has come as a breath of fresh air. Dimapur Police updated last week
that road accidents in the three districts have decreased during the past three
years- from 557 in 2022 to 267 in 2023 and 110 in 2024, which is a significant
drop. The police attributed this positive development to safety awareness
campaigns, the installation of traffic lights and appurtenances, and strict
enforcement drives. It is a result of targeted measures like spreading
awareness among the general public, including members of commercial vehicle
unions, besides reaching out to 60 educational institutions in an attempt to
educate children about traffic rules and inculcate safe driving habits early,
said the police. While measures like strict implementation of traffic rules and
spreading of awareness at the grassroots can bring about quick results,
educating young students can bring positive change in the long run as they are
the future of the society. Capping speed limits for vehicles during the festive
season was another smart move, as the main cause of road traffic accidents in
the area is overspeeding and drunken driving.
The approach of the police toward road safety is laudable.
However, they can be more resolute when it comes to implementation and
maintaining consistency. For instance, while they are doing a commendable job
in sensitising road users about the importance of following traffic rules and
regulations through seminars, lectures, publications, etc., and the
installation of safety equipment/devices, it’s a fact that they have failed to
effectively enforce many rules. Dimapur Police has repeatedly issued traffic
advisories like mandatory wearing of seatbelts and protective gear or helmets
(for two-wheelers) and restrictions on the use of mobile phones while driving
but not many follow them. The problem is not lack of regulations but poor
enforcement of basic rules coupled with utter lack of civic sense among the
citizens. This has to be seriously looked into. To ensure safety, the law
enforcement agencies should penalise errant drivers and continue measures like
capping of speed limits at accident-prone areas throughout the year. In the
meantime, it is not fair to blame the authorities for tragedies that occur due
to disrespect for safety rules. The least we can do is avoid driving under
influence, rash driving and overspeeding. We should remember that traffic
regulations are made for our own good and safety. They are not made to be
broken.
