The Odisha transport department has rolled out an extensive action plan to combat road accidents and fatalities during the critical winter and picnic season from December to March. This period witnesses heightened risk due to increased travel and fog-induced visibility issues.
District-Specific Safety Strategies
Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur revealed that following chief secretary's directives, the department has developed tailored road safety approaches for each district. "We have prepared district-specific road safety strategies with the involvement of all stakeholders for the December-March period," Thakur stated.
The comprehensive plan focuses on addressing engineering deficiencies and enhancing enforcement at identified black spots, junctions, and other vulnerable locations. Each district's road safety committee will conduct regular progress reviews, while the transport commissioner will oversee implementation at the district level.
Enhanced Safety at Picnic Destinations
The State Transport Authority has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure to district collectors for strengthening safety measures at popular picnic spots. "Every life is precious. Road safety is a shared responsibility," emphasized Thakur, noting that the SOP clearly defines roles for drivers, RTOs, police, and ambulance operators.
Key measures include:
- Regular police drives against drunken driving at entry and exit points of picnic spots
- Strict enforcement against passenger overloading in vehicles
- Deployment of police personnel near picnic locations to ensure compliance
- Prominent display of emergency contact information including ambulance services and police stations
- Awareness campaigns through street plays organized with local NGOs
Fog-Related Safety Measures
With winter fog significantly reducing visibility, authorities have been directed to prevent illegal roadside parking and ensure prompt removal of accident-damaged or broken-down vehicles to prevent secondary collisions. RTOs have received instructions to regulate vehicle capacity during the permitting process, while police will conduct routine inspections at checkpoints.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by alarming statistics from the 'Road Accidents in India' report. In 2023 alone, winter fog conditions caused 1,768 accidents across the state, resulting in 832 fatalities and 1,529 injuries.
This coordinated effort represents Odisha's most determined attempt yet to tackle the seasonal spike in road accidents, bringing together multiple government agencies and stakeholders in a unified approach to save lives during the high-risk winter months.
