Tragic road accidents spark calls for stricter safety measures, parental accountability

15 November 2024

By: Jahangir Sofi

Srinagar, Nov 15: The recent fatal road accidents in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir have sparked urgent calls for stricter road safety measures, heightened parental accountability and collective community action.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two young boys. In a social media post on X, Abdullah extended his condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the departed souls.

“My heart goes out to the families of the boys killed in this tragic accident. May Allah grant them place in Jannat,” Abdullah tweeted, highlighting the irreversible loss suffered by the families.

Abdullah stressed the importance of road safety, warning that while vehicles have become faster and roads have improved, road sense remains alarmingly inadequate.

“Speed thrills but it kills with no remorse,” he wrote, urging citizens to follow traffic rules designed to ensure safety.

*Mirwaiz calls for stricter enforcement*

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq while delivering the Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar voiced grave concerns over the alarming rise in road accidents across Kashmir. He appealed to parents, authorities and the youth to take immediate measures to curb the growing menace, which has claimed numerous lives and caused widespread distress.

Stressing the importance of accountability, Mirwaiz called upon the government to implement stricter regulations against speeding and reckless driving. “The authorities must ensure that speed limits are adhered to, helmets are used, and vehicles are inspected for safety compliance,” he said, urging law enforcement to impose fines and take other corrective actions against traffic violations.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for their strength and resilience. “We ask Allah, the Almighty, to grant patience to the bereaved families and to guide us toward better practices to prevent such tragedies,” he added.

*Traffic Police: Parental negligence in spotlight*

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Srinagar, Muzaffar Shah urged parents and society at large to take greater responsibility for monitoring and guiding underage drivers.

Speaking to the media persons, SSP traffic highlighted the growing issue of minors driving vehicles without proper training or licensing. “Traffic violations come in many forms, but the involvement of minors in such cases is particularly concerning,” he said. “This is not just a legal issue but a societal one, which requires the attention and cooperation of parents.”

The SSP said that a focused campaign against minor drivers was underway, with vehicle seizures and on-the-spot actions being enforced. He highlighted the importance of parental vigilance, stating, “If we take care of our children, they will be safe, and so will society.”

Appealing to parents, schools and the community to work together to ensure that minors were not allowed to drive unsafely or without proper licenses, the city traffic police chief said, “Accidents like these serve as a stark reminder of our collective responsibility. If we neglect these duties, we jeopardize the future of our children and society.”

Among the recent road accidents include a tragic accident at Tengpora bypass in Srinagar on Thursday that claimed the lives of two minors.

Earlier, a 15-year-old boy too lost his life in a horrific road accident near Lawaypora highway, on the outskirts of Srinagar.

*RTO Kashmir: Legal & societal responsibility*

Reacting to the tragic accidents that claimed multiple lives in road accidents, Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir said he has recommended invoking Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which prescribes up to 3 years of imprisonment for parents or guardians who allow minors to drive.

“This incident highlights a gap in both parenting and schooling, which play pivotal roles in shaping responsible behaviour,” the RTO said. He called for collective efforts from parents, schools, and authorities to instill a culture of road safety and respect for laws.

“While we at RTO will invoke the compoundable Sections of law like we have done in all such cases in past, this case will be recommended for invoking Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act which prescribes imprisonment of erring parents up to three years, awarded by judicial courts,” the officer added.

The RTO stressed that beyond legal enforcement, parents must play a proactive role in ensuring minors do not access vehicles, while schools should inculcate a deeper respect for laws among students.

“We call upon parents to prevent minors from accessing vehicles and commit to intensifying enforcement to avoid such devastating incidents in the future. Let us work together to protect our children and uphold road safety for all,” the RTO Kashmir appealed. —(KNO)