State plans accident policy, vigil on drivers to curb road accidents

State plans accident policy, vigil on drivers to curb road accidents
HAIMA DESHPANDE

MUMBAI, MARCH 8: To check injuries and deaths caused by road accidents in the state which accounts for the maximum road-related fatalities in India, the Maharashtra government has formulated a multi-pronged scheme including a road accident policy to be unveiled in May this year and alcohol breath analyser tests to be introduced at all checkpoints on highways across the state.

Out of the 75,000 road deaths reported annually in the country, Maharashtra tops with an estimated 8,000. With 1.85 lakh km of road length, it also has the largest network, and the highest number of vehicles on the roads (65 lakh). Incidentally, the state also tops on the number of head injuries sustained in road accidents.

Under the scheme, random sobriety (alcohol breath analyser) tests will be introduced at all check points in the districts and along all highways throughout the state. Alcoholometers will be installed at these points. "Drunken driving has become a major problem in the state. Majority of the accidents occur due to this. The rules for the roads have to be stricter otherwise the state will not be in a position to control road accidents and fatalities," said Minister for Transport Shivajirao Moghe. "Voluntary organisations will be roped in to help in the implementation of the policy," he said.

"As compared to the 29 per cent urban population nationally, Maharashtra has the highest urban population in the country at 42 per cent. It is also one of the highest populated states. The speed limit on the highways exceeds the stipulated limit. Given all these conditions the state tops on deaths on the roads," said Dr P.S. Pasricha, an expert on traffic management and commissioner CID. "An accident policy will make it easy for the supervisory body to apply the checks in a more scientific manner," he added.

As per the new plan, the Government also proposes to suspend driving licenses of those involved in accidents till they are cleared of charges by the courts.

According to the existing traffic rules, drunken drivers are fined Rs 2,000 and/or six months imprisonment and their licenses are suspended for six months. The new policy aims at more stringent punishment for such drivers. "The rules should be a deterrent for such drivers. They should think twice about committing such offences the next time," said the minister.

The state is also considering banning the manufacture of heavy focus lights used by light and heavy vehicles, as a survey by the transport department has indicated this as the major cause for highway accidents.

Trauma units will be set up along the highways in collaboration with hospitals and voluntary agencies. The policy will also seek to sensitise hospitals and the police force to the urgency and needs of accident victims. The state with the help of voluntary agencies will also launch mass awareness drives to educate motorists and the general populace on the importance, urgency and the need to help accident victims. "We intend to change the attitudes of policemen to ensure that more people come forward to help accident victims. This will help curb a number of deaths if they are given timely help," said Moghe.

Voluntary agencies will be given special licenses to ply ambulances along the highways. Mobile clinics will also be set up along all the highways in the state.