JAMMU: In its continuous efforts towards spreading road safety awareness among road users/vehicle operators and general public, Traffic Rural Jammu on Saturday hosted a series of counselling sessions for bikers. SSP Traffic Rural Jammu Vinay Kumar held counselling sessions for the bikers at various places in Samba and Kathua districts to educate them about the importance of wearing safety gears and following traffic rules to avoid the fatal and non fatal accidents.
During the counselling sessions, the SSP emphasized the importance of road safety gears for the safety of motorists, especially young valued bike riders. The officer appealed to the bikers to always wear a crash helmet themselves and advise the pillion rider to do the same. " Ensure it is securely fastened which is the best defense against head injuries" he urged them.
The Officer further advised the bikers to desist from using the mobile phones while driving their two wheelers/ motorbikes and strictly avoid triple riding. He informed the bikers that as per the survey wearing helmets reduce risk of head injury by 70% (World Health Organization) while without it, 85% of motorcycle fatalities involve head injuries.
"Wearing standard marked helmets are approximately 37% effective in preventing fatalities and 69% effective in preventing brain injuries" Mr. Kumar said and cautioned the bikers not to indulge/ make habit in the wrong lane driving, using shortcuts, and overtaking/ stunts, which endangers the precious human lives. Additionally, SSP Traffic Rural Jammu urged upon the vehicle operators /mini bus & bus operators to obey traffic signals, stop only at designated bus stops, ensure lane driving, follow traffic rules honestly and above all not indulge in overtaking/ overloading/ rash driving/ using pressure horns.
They shall ride defensively and anticipate the unexpected. Further, the Bus/ mini buses operators have been requested to remove the paints and stickers pasted on the window glasses, front and back screens which block the visibility. The emergency exits in the vehicles shall be kept free to facilitate evacuation during any eventuality. While plying the vehicles on the road/ NHWs/SHWs, as a commuter, motorists/ drivers shall give priority to the Emergency vehicles like Fire tenders and Ambulances. The motorists in general shall remember that they share the road with others and first of all behave as good citizens to work for effective traffic management system when the whole NHW is under construction from Lakhanpur to Bari Brahmana.
Mr. Kumar also informed that to avoid the cancellation/suspension of vehicle documents and lodging of FIRs under relevant MVAct/rule , the vehicle modifications especially in Thar / Royal Enfield owners and other vehicles in contravention of Registration Certificates is a crime and shall be strictly avoided. Modified tyres may not meet regulatory standards, potentially leading to fines or penalties. Modification may seem appealing, but the risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Protect yourself, your vehicle, and others by sticking with manufacturer-recommended tyre specifications. Remember, safety should always be your top priority. As per the survey 75% of tyre-related accidents are caused by improper tyre modification and increase the risk of tyre blowouts by 300%.
Furthermore, SSP Traffic Rural also appealed to all kinds of vehicle operators especially the two wheeler operators to avoid using stickers, tape, or other materials to hide/temper digits on their vehicle registration plates which is also a crime and disobedience to Traffic rules. It shall be ensured that the vehicle’s number plate is clearly visible. Concealing number plates can lead to license cancellation and worsen accident consequences. Remember a clear number plate is not just a legal requirement but a responsible driving practice.
Mr. Kumar requested the road commuters to cooperate with Traffic Police to safeguard the lives of the public and to ensure better traffic management for the general public. He further reiterated his commitment to provide better service to masses and to help passengers to reach their destinations safely. Let us work together to make our roads safer and ride smart and ride safe.
The awareness programme was held under the close supervision of M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic J&K and Dr. Mohd. Haseeb Mughal, DIG Jammu Range. SSP Traffic Rural Jammu was accompanied by Sukhdedv Singh Dy. SP Samba Kathua, Inspector Aijaz Pervaiz DTI Samba/Vijaypur and Inspector Kapil Manhas DTI Bari Brahmana during the programme in the jurisdiction.
SSP Traffic Rural Jammu Vinay Kumar called upon the Traffic officers and officials to dedicate themselves with highest ethical and professional standards to maintain the public confidence. Moreover, special awareness sessions would be organized to familiarize the general public, especially youth, about the Traffic laws and other road safety measures.
