Bathinda District Committee Launches Probe into Fatal Road Accident Under Supreme Court Directions
In a significant development, the Bathinda district administration has constituted a specialized committee to investigate the tragic accident that occurred on January 17 on the Bathinda-Dabwali road, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. This action follows explicit directions from the Supreme Court's committee on road safety, underscoring the judicial oversight on traffic safety matters in the region.
Comprehensive Investigation into Multiple Factors
The newly formed panel is tasked with conducting a thorough and multi-faceted investigation to determine the root causes of the fatal crash. The committee's mandate includes a detailed site inspection to assess the road geometry and surface conditions, which are critical factors in accident prevention. Additionally, the panel will scrutinize the adequacy and visibility of traffic signages and other essential safety features installed along the route.
Beyond infrastructure, the investigation will delve into potential human errors, such as driver negligence or fatigue, and evaluate the mechanical condition of the vehicles involved. The committee is also expected to examine any lapses in enforcement by traffic authorities and identify engineering deficiencies that may have contributed to the incident. Based on these findings, the panel will formulate concrete recommendations to enhance road safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Background of the Tragic Incident and Supreme Court Intervention
The accident involved an SUV carrying five tourists from Gujarat, including a woman constable, which crashed into a road divider near Gurthari village. The victims were returning from a trip to Himachal Pradesh when the mishap occurred. In response to this heartbreaking event, the Supreme Court's committee on road safety took proactive steps by writing to the Punjab chief secretary on January 20.
The committee's communication emphasized the urgent need for a detailed report on the accident and requested the submission of proposed safety measures by February 20. It explicitly highlighted the state government's responsibility to implement necessary actions to curb accidents stemming from poor enforcement of traffic laws, overspeeding, and overloading of vehicles.
Formation of the District-Level Committee and Ongoing Efforts
Acting on the directives from the Punjab state road safety council's lead agency, the Bathinda administration swiftly established a committee comprising officers from key departments. This includes representatives from the transport department, district traffic police, and the Public Works Department (Building and Roads). Bathinda DSP (Traffic) Manjit Singh confirmed that the committee is diligently working in accordance with the provided guidelines.
In parallel, the traffic police have identified 17 accident-prone black spots across the district and have initiated measures to install reflectors, improved lighting, and caution boards at these critical locations. These steps aim to mitigate risks and enhance visibility for motorists, reflecting a broader commitment to road safety improvements in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The investigation represents a crucial step towards accountability and preventive action, aligning with national efforts to reduce road fatalities and ensure safer travel for all citizens.
