BHUBANESWAR: A rise in road mishaps and casualties in Odisha has put a big question mark on the preventive measures undertaken by the State Government.According to a review by Commerce and Transport Department, as many as 5,556 road mishaps were recorded between January and June in 2016. This year, the number rose to 5,607. Against the casualties of 2,394 during the six-month period last year, the deaths have jumped to 2,446 this time around.
Compared to 2015, the number of deaths caused by road mishaps in 2016 rose by 5.71 per cent. The State Government had targeted to bring down the casualties by 10 per cent this year.
Of all the districts, Khurda has proved to be the most accident prone. This year, so far, the district has reported 594 accidents which is higher compared to 2016. Malkangiri remained the safest with total road mishaps standing at 35.
Apart from reckless driving, use of mobile phones during driving and overloading have emerged as the two major reasons for rising mishaps in the State.In case of two-wheelers, most accidents are result of deaths and injuries caused by non-use of helmets by the drivers.
At least 35 per cent of total accidents involve two-wheelers.The review meeting, chaired by Agriculture Production Commissioner Gagan Kumar Dhal, informed that the State Government is trying to improve infrastructure for providing better care to accident victims so that more lives can be saved.
Plans are afoot to recruit 336 more staff for the trauma care centres where the present strength stands at 82. The Health Department is also planning to establish eight more trauma care centres apart from providing emergency services along National Highways and major urban pockets which are mishap-prone.
The meeting also stressed on impounding the driving licence of drunk drivers and identification of black spots besides creation of awareness through FM radio channels and advertisements in theatre halls.
It has also recommended that road safety audits must be conducted along national and state highways to improve the situation.The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport G Srinivas, Transport Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi, Special Secretary Manoj Mishra and DIG (Crime) Nikhil Kanodia.