A sum of ₹3 crore has been allotted for taking measures to improve road safety in the Union Territory, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy said on Monday.
Inaugurating a week-long traffic awareness programme, the Chief Minister said the funds would be utilised by the departments of public works, transport and the traffic police to create awareness on road safety and accident mitigation measures including construction of speed breakers wherever necessary.
The Puducherry-Villupuram and Puducherry-Cuddalore stretches have been identified as accident hotspots, he added. Stating that fatal accidents involving two-wheeler riders have become a matter of concern, he said the Transport Department and Traffic Police should create awareness on the importance of wearing helmets.
Sustained campaign
A sustained campaign was necessary to bring a change in the mindset of two-wheeler riders. The law enforcement agencies should start implementing wearing of helmets compulsory after creating awareness, he added. “You cannot implement it by force. People should be made aware of the benefits of wearing a helmet,” Mr. Narayanasamy said. The e-challan system could be introduced to record offences and help in monitoring repeat traffic offenders, he added.
Minister for Revenue M.O.H.F Shahjahan, who also holds the Transport portfolio, said one of the biggest challenges faced by the administration was the burgeoning vehicle population. Every year, around 4,000 two-wheelers and 500 four-wheelers get registered in Puducherry. With limited scope for road expansions, streamlining of traffic movement through enforcement was the only solution, he added.
Head injuries
Sixty-four percent of accidents that occurred involved two-wheelers. Last year, 114 two-wheeler riders met with fatal accidents due to head injuries, he added.
Director General of Police S. Sundari Nanda in her address said the Institute of Road Traffic Education had been roped in to identify accident hotspots and recommend corrective measures. Conscious driving could help prevent accidents and wearing helmet would save the lives of two-wheeler riders, she added.
