The government has chalked out an action plan to reduce road accidents in the State by 10% this year and by 25% over the next three years.
Road accidents involving motorcycles, KSRTC and private buses, mini-buses and private cars on roads other than National Highways (NH) and State Highways (SH) increased substantially in 2017, forcing law enforcers to make the rules stringent. Accidents during night and drunk driving cases too went up.
The Subhayatra Traffic Safety Action Plan 2018 envisages reduction in road accidents and adherence to road discipline through the combined efforts of the Kerala Police and the Motor Vehicle Department.
The police have been asked to concentrate on roads other than NHs and SHs that witnessed more road accidents to achieve the target set this year.
They will have to ensure total compliance of two-wheeler riders with the helmet rule. Fastening of chin straps will be made mandatory and use of quality helmets will be insisted upon.
Strict enforcement of seat belt for four-wheeler passengers on NHs and SHs and stern action against those driving drunk and under influence of drugs are among the steps planned.
A zero tolerance policy against drunk driving will be followed.
Traffic waiting centres
The District Police Chiefs (DPCs) have been asked to concentrate on two-wheeler safety and ensure thorough vehicle checking in the early hours of day, when many accidents occur.
Traffic waiting centres, where drivers can halt and have tea/coffee, should be set up by the DPCs in association with local authorities and NGOs.
Enforcement of lane discipline on four-lane highways and roads and crackdown on unauthorised parking and illegal extension of shops onto the roads are part of the plan.
State Police Chief Loknath Behera has asked the DPCs to ensure that most of the traffic checking is done through digital cameras and by taking photographs over mobile, rather than stopping the violators on the road. A coordinated monthly checking has also been proposed as petty cases under MV Act had come down last year in the State.
