BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has decided to observe a state-wide ‘zero fatality fortnight’ from November 16 to 30 in a bid to achieve zero road accident deaths through coordinated action and public participation.
The initiative, led by the Commerce and Transport department, will be implemented in close collaboration with district administrations, police department, regional transport offices (RTOs) and other agencies.
During the fortnight, a zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against traffic violations. RTOs, along with the police and district authorities, will conduct intensive checking across highways, markets, educational institutions and other high-traffic zones. Action will be taken against overspeeding, drunk driving, use of mobile phones while driving and violation of helmet or seat-belt norms under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Transport department sources said district authorities have been directed to pay special attention to identify black spots and take corrective measures in coordination with road-engineering agencies. “Emphasis will be placed on the four pillars of road safety - enforcement, engineering, education and emergency care. Immediate repair of damaged stretches, installation of signage and removal of design flaws have also been prioritised,” said an official.
Alongside enforcement, large-scale awareness programmes will also be held to promote safe road behaviour. Government and private organisations will jointly campaign to make citizens aware that every life matters. The public will also be encouraged to extend timely help to accident victims as good Samaritans.
Odisha’s earlier observance of zero fatality week had significantly reduced road-accident deaths. Building on its success, the campaign has now been expanded to a fortnight-long programme.
“Reducing road accidents is a key goal in the state’s vision of a developed Odisha. With the chief minister’s message - ‘Come Home Safe’, the government appeals to all citizens to make road safety a collective responsibility,” the official added.