There were 262 casualties (including 51 deaths) as a result of the 224 road accidents reported to police in East Khasi Hills last year.
Sharing this information with Highland Post, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) SK Ambedkar said today 2020 saw the Shillong Traffic Police detect 21,564 infringements of the Motor Vehicles Act, which realised more than Rs 2 crore in fines and penalties.
Last year also saw 111 cases of drunk driving detected by police. Cases of drunk driving were based on medical reports as breathalyzer tests were temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new rule making it mandatory for pillion riders on two-wheelers to also wear a crash helmet saw 136 violations in its first month, i.e. December, which brought in another Rs 1.36 lakh in fines.
Given that Road Safety Month is observed from January 18 to February 17, the SP requested all motorists not to drink and drive, to always wear seatbelts while driving, not to use mobile phones while driving, wearing of helmets, not to speed or drive in a rash and negligent manner and to help road accident victims and be Good Samaritans.
Meanwhile, in preparation to meet the challenge of the increasing number of vehicles on the road now that the odd-even system for commercial vehicles has been revoked, Ambedkar said that the steps to be taken include strategic deployment of available traffic personnel and Home Guards volunteers at congestion points and enforcement of lane discipline to regulate vehicular traffic flow. Instructions have been given to all traffic branches for judicious use of flying squads to ease traffic jams, strict enforcement against haphazard and double parking and discussions are on with other stakeholders for better road infrastructure information regarding road marking and signage to guide commuters and visitors to the city.
