In a disturbing twist, Jammu has reported 88 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries from road accidents across four districts—Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch—during the first seven months of this year. In response, the Traffic Police Rural Jammu launched a special enforcement drive targeting two-wheeler violations, which constitute 44 percent of total accidents.
This awareness and enforcement campaign, from September 1 to 14, followed a thorough examination of accident data that revealed a concerning trend. Two-wheeler riders largely contributed to road crashes across these districts, according to a spokesperson from the Traffic Police (Rural Jammu).
As per their analysis of road accident data from January 1 to July 31, a total of 699 accidents occurred, resulting in a staggering 1,001 injuries and significant loss of life.
According to the study, two-wheelers were involved in 309 accidents, highlighting an alarming correlation. They accounted for 39 fatal accidents and caused injuries to 384 individuals. Notably, 144 incidents qualified as single-vehicle accidents involving two-wheelers.
The data further indicated that the terrain of National Highways witnessed 102 accidents (accounting for 41 percent), while accidents on other roads involved two-wheelers in 210 instances (47 percent).
Alarmingly, 27 percent of the accident victims were below 26 years. Out of all recorded accidents, 64 percent involved single vehicles, stressing the vital need for improved road safety.
To combat this growing concern, the Traffic Police Rural Jammu implemented a comprehensive awareness and enforcement campaign across all four districts. Alongside severe enforcement actions, they organized public education initiatives targeting young riders.
The campaign resulted in the issuance of 8,675 challans, with specific violations including 5,767 riders penalized for not wearing helmets. In addition, 1,152 pillion riders faced penalties for similar violations, and another 1,106 were booked for triple riding.
Moreover, the enforcement drive addressed dangerous behaviors on the road, resulting in 188 riders penalized for using mobile phones while driving, 260 violations for unsafe driving, and 146 for driving without valid licenses. Notably, the authorities seized vehicles from three minors illegally operating two-wheelers and booked 50 for unauthorized modifications.
During this campaign, the Traffic Police Rural Jammu also held 267 awareness programs in schools, libraries, and public spaces, aiming to educate citizens on road safety and the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
In Rajouri and Poonch, the police conducted unique counseling sessions where road users could sit under canopies, receiving guidance on traffic discipline, helmet use, and safe driving practices.
Farooq Qaiser, Senior Superintendent of Police for Traffic Rural Jammu, stated that similar special drives targeting other vehicle categories, including Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), would launch soon. He urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and warned that severe enforcement measures would continue to ensure public safety.
