Road accidents claim 3 lives daily in J&K

Traffic Dept intensifies drive against violators
Srinagar, Nov 18: Road accidents continue to claim an alarming number of lives in Jammu and Kashmir, with three fatalities reported daily on average. Despite intensified efforts by the Traffic Department to curb violations, the region struggles with rising road mishaps.
Following the tragic death of two students in a road accident in Srinagar’s Tengpora area last week, traffic police launched a drive targeting violators, particularly minors operating two-wheelers and cars. Over the past three days, authorities have seized more than 1,000 vehicles, predominantly bikes and scooties in Kashmir.
Official data reveals that over 5,000 lives have been lost to road accidents in Jammu and Kashmir in the past six years, averaging 800-900 deaths annually. Major accident hotspots include the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar, as well as the Chenab Valley, especially Doda district. Factors contributing to accidents in these areas include challenging terrains, poor road infrastructure, reckless driving, and aging vehicles.
Officials cite “over-speeding” as the leading cause of accidents. Additionally, the lack of trauma centers along highways exacerbates the fatality rate, which remains higher than the national average due to delays in emergency care.
“The responsibility of reducing accidents lies with the entire community, not just the Traffic Department,” an official emphasized. Recommendations from a legislative House Committee urging coordinated action by departments like Transport, Traffic, and R&B have largely gone unimplemented, highlighting systemic challenges.
Over the past 15 years, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a dramatic rise in vehicle numbers, increasing from around 700,000 in 2008 to 2.4 million today—a surge of over 300 percent. In contrast, road density has grown by just 40 percent over the last decade, leading to severe congestion and heightened risks on existing roads.
“Road safety requires a comprehensive approach beyond enforcement,” a senior Traffic Department official stated. “Public awareness campaigns, better infrastructure, and strict adherence to traffic laws are essential to reducing fatalities and safeguarding lives.”
The urgent need for improved road infrastructure and collective action underscores the critical importance of addressing the region’s escalating road accident crisis.