14 road mishaps in July: Sirmaur admn reviews road safety measures

Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma chaired a review meeting on road safety at the DC office on Thursday with officials from the Public Works Department, Transport, Health, Education, Police, National Highways, MoRTH and the Road Safety Club, Nahan. The meeting assessed road accident data, incidents of drunken driving, over-speeding and identified accident-prone spots across the district, while issuing necessary directions for improved road safety.

The DC stressed the need for strict implementation of road safety policies and rules in public interest. She directed the police to lay special focus on violations related to seat belts, drunken driving and helmet use. Instructions were also issued for penalising vehicles parked in no-parking zones. Verma urged drivers to park only at designated parking areas to ensure smooth traffic flow. She further called for regular awareness camps to sensitise the public on road safety.

To reduce accidents near Carmel School in Nahan, Verma suggested rerouting school buses to the open space near the Biroza factory. She also directed private school managements to avoid overloading in buses, ensure speed limits are followed and conduct timely maintenance of vehicles. Education department officials were asked to ensure that students are educated about traffic rules and road safety in schools.

The DC instructed National Highway and Municipal Council officials to inspect the damaged road near the Biroza factory, ensure proper drainage and carry out immediate repairs.

During the meeting, DSP Ramakant Thakur said 14 road accidents occurred in the district in July, leading to four fatalities and injuries to 24 persons. PWD Executive Engineer Alok Janveja said a proposal worth Rs 2.88 crore has been sent to the government for the improvement of 40 black spots in Sirmaur.