Gurgaon Races Against Time to Curb Winter Road Fatalities
Alarmed by a sharp increase in road accidents, the Gurgaon traffic police have launched an extensive winter safety campaign. The initiative comes as official data reveals a grim tally of 900 accidents and 377 deaths in the district up to October 31 this year. The primary focus is on enhancing visibility during the perilous fog season to prevent further loss of life.
Safety Measures: Barricades and Reflective Tapes
In a decisive move, authorities have installed 25 crash tyre barricades at critical, fog-prone locations along the busy Gurgaon-Delhi expressway (NH 8) and its adjoining stretches. Following directives from DCP (Traffic) Rajesh Mohan and ACP (Traffic) Satyapal Yadav, these highly visible barricades have been positioned at key points including IFFCO Chowk, Signature Tower, Atlas FOB, the Lemon Tree cut traffic light, and areas near HUDA City Centre and Crowne Plaza.
In a parallel effort to protect vulnerable road users, reflective tapes have been affixed to approximately 300 vehicles. This fleet includes bicycles, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, tractor-trolleys, trucks, and school buses. Additionally, reflective jackets have been distributed to individuals like truck drivers who frequently navigate the roads after dark.
Vulnerable Road Users and Blackspot Focus
The traffic police data paints a concerning picture of road user vulnerability. Two-wheeler riders were identified as the most at-risk group, suffering 140 deaths in 430 accidents. Pedestrians accounted for 150 fatalities in 290 crashes, while 17 cyclists lost their lives in 29 accidents. Car drivers were also significantly impacted, with 24 deaths recorded in 66 accidents.
To directly address these fatalities, DCP Mohan has instructed officials to enforce strict safety compliance at all 34 identified blackspots in the district. These high-risk zones include areas in Kapdiwas, near the Manesar bus stand, between Ambience Mall and the Delhi border, Shankar Chowk, and several points along Golf Course Road.
Official Directives and Public Advisory
DCP Mohan emphasized the heightened risk during winter, stating, "Roads become more vulnerable during winter or heavy fog. To prevent crashes, we are taking safety measures and have alerted our teams." He confirmed that reflectors and hazard-markers are being installed at all vulnerable points and that civic authorities have been urged to repair faulty street lights. A detailed survey of all entry and exit points on the expressway is also underway to remove obstructions.
Echoing the need for public cooperation, ACP Traffic (East) Sanjay Kumar appealed to motorists to exercise extreme caution. He advised drivers to check their headlights and indicators before starting a journey, maintain a slow and steady speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, use indicators timely, and avoid playing loud music. In case of a breakdown, commuters are urged to move their vehicles to a safe spot to avoid obstructing traffic.
