In a significant initiative to further enhance the road safety, the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) of the Traffic and Road Safety Wing, Punjab Police on Friday launched the "Hauli Chalo" Sticker Campaign from Bhago Majra Toll Plaza on NH-5 (Mohali–Chandigarh) Highway. Notably, the campaign is being supported by Yara India and implemented by the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF).
After launching the drive, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Traffic & Road Safety, Punjab, AS Rai informed that around 30,000 reflector stickers will be pasted on tractor-trolleys across 144 routes of the SSF in the first phase, covering approximately 4,100 kilometres of key road stretches in Punjab. He shared that Punjab witnessed 2,048 road accidents involving tractor-trolleys, resulting in 1,569 fatalities, mostly farmers between 2017 and 2022.
These incidents accounted for 5-6% of all road accident deaths in the state took place during this period, underscoring the need for targeted safety initiatives. AS Rai stated that the safety of Punjab's farmers, the backbone of our agrarian economy, on the roads is paramount.
The 'Hauli Chalo' campaign would mitigate tractor-trolley accidents by improving visibility and promoting road awareness, particularly during the harvesting season. He said that Punjab has witnessed a reduction in road accident fatalities in 2024, with a notable decline in deaths within 24 hours of accidents.
This positive trend is attributed to the combined efforts of enforcement, road engineering, and awareness initiatives by the Punjab Police's Traffic and Road Safety Wing. He further informed that all SSF units across Punjab will launch the campaign simultaneously.
Considering the ongoing harvesting season, the Punjab Police are acting proactively to safeguard farmers’ lives and raise awareness about safe movement of agricultural vehicles, especially during early morning and late evening hours.