Aimed at enhancing road safety, IRAD (Integrated Road Accident Database) was launched today by Chief Secretary Rebecca Suchiang at a function here today.
IRAD is a comprehensive web-based Information Technology (IT) solution which will enable various agencies such as the police, Public Works Department (PWD), Health Department, etc, to enter details on road accidents from different perspectives, such as investigation, road engineering, vehicle condition, etc, with the aim of analysing causes of crashes and in devising safety interventions to reduce such accidents.
A World Bank-funded project, IRAD is executed under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and implemented by NICSI and IIT Madras.
Speaking on the occasion, Suchiang stated that in view of the rising numbers of deaths due to road accidents across the country, the Supreme Court has issued specific directions to all state governments to bring down the rate of road accidents.
Adding that the launch of IRAD will go a long way in addressing the issue of road safety, she stressed on the need for speedy rectification of identified problem areas which causes accidents. Reiterating the importance of adhering to road safety rules, she stressed on the importance of awareness campaigns and also urged drivers, particularly the youth to acquaint themselves with traffic rules and signs and also to follow rules.
H Nongpluh, Additional Director General of Police, informed that Meghalaya registers accidents on a daily basis, which account for nearly 180 deaths annually.
He expressed hope that, with the launch of IRAD, the information collected from all stakeholders will help mitigate preventable accidents.
