In order to chalk out strategies to minimize road accidents and casualities due to fatal road accidents in the district, a meeting of District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) was held, here today.MLA Ramnagar R.S Pathania was special invitee in the meeting.District Development Commissioner, Ravinder Kumar Senior Superintendent of Police, Rayees Bhat Chief Medical Officer, Dr. K.C Dogra Chief Education Officer, J.R Bhardwaj ARTO, Udhampur Kuldeep Singh Executive Engineer PWD, and other district officers besides representatives of Bus/ Matador Union and NGOs attended the meeting.Detailed discussion was held on various issues including ways to reduce accidents, mandatory I- cards and uniform for drivers of public conveyance, start of helpline number for general public, Traffic Control, overloading of school children in vans and matadors , use of mobile phone while driving and maintenance of roads.DDC gave overview regarding the road safety measures being implemented in the district to avoid road accidents.
Highlighting the need to spread awareness about various aspects of road safety, the MLA asked Border Road Organization (BRO), Traffic and Transport to conduct road safety audit on quarterly basis and hold regular awareness camps in this regard.The ARTO was asked to display helpline number in all passenger vehicles for convenience of people whereas Traffic police was asked to maintain traffic control and prevent overloading of vehicles.The MLA further exhorted upon the members of the DRSC to work in close coordination for better management of traffic within the district.During the meeting, Senior Superintendent of Police informed that the Traffic police has already identified accident prone areas (black spots) so that effective measures are taken up to avoid fdrequent road mishaps in the area.Chief Medical Officer informed that the health department is giving training to officials from other departments so that in case of any emergency, they can provide first aid to the injured.