Bhubaneswar: Odisha is planning a four-month- long special enforcement drive to curb the road accidents and reduce fatalities.
All police stations in the state have been asked to carry out intensive vehicle checks during this period that typically sees a surge in road accidents. Special focus will be on roads leading to popular picnic spots and tourist destinations, where traffic increases significantly during this season.
Vehicles heading to popular picnic and tourist destinations will be subjected to intensive verification and monitoring as part of efforts to curb accidents and ensure safer travel for families and groups planning seasonal outings.
Picnickers have been asked to ensure all vehicle documents — driving licence, insurance, pollution certificate, and fitness certificate — are valid before hitting the road. Non-compliance may result in vehicle seizure or hefty fines. Motorists caught driving under the influence of alcohol will face arrest.
The state is currently observing a “Zero Fatality Fortnight” from November 16 to 30. Following this, a special enforcement drive will run from December through March. In addition, the regular “Zero Tolerance Days” against traffic violations will be observed every Wednesday and Friday in collaboration with the police.
This assumes significance since 16 people die every day in Odisha on an average and it is among the states with highest accident severity rate. The state recorded 12,375 road accidents with 6,142 fatalities, up by 7 per cent, and the highest, so far, last year. Approximately 4,633 people were killed either due to overspeeding, wrong side or drunken driving. Maximum accidents were recorded during 3 pm and 9 pm.
