SRINAGAR: Road accidents and fatalities across rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir have registered a significant decline over the past year, with accident cases down by 15 per cent and deaths reduced by 22 per cent, Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic Rural, Ravinder Paul Singh said.
Addressing a press conference, SSP Singh said sustained enforcement, inter-departmental coordination and increased public awareness had contributed to improved road safety outcomes across the rural belt.
According to official data shared by the Traffic Police Rural wing, a total of 1,502 road accidents were recorded during the current year, compared to 1,729 accidents in the previous year. Fatalities declined from 279 last year to 210 this year, while injuries also showed a downward trend.
“The reduction in both accidents and fatalities reflects a collective effort by traffic police, district administrations, municipal bodies, the engineering wing and civil society,” Singh said, adding that the focus remains on saving lives rather than merely enforcing penalties.
The SSP credited district police units, civil administration and road engineering departments for addressing structural bottlenecks, while highlighting the role of students, NCC cadets, higher secondary school pupils and non-governmental organisations in spreading traffic awareness at the grassroots level.
Singh said the department also intensified action against dangerous driving behaviour, including stunts on public roads. “Around 30 individuals involved in risky stunts were identified, counselled and booked under relevant provisions,” he said.
Highlighting behavioural changes among commuters, Singh said compliance with traffic rules has improved markedly in rural areas. “Nearly 80 percent of drivers are now wearing seat belts and around 90 percent two-wheeler riders are using helmets. Mobile phone use while driving has also reduced significantly,” he noted.
The SSP further pointed to visible improvements in road discipline, including reduced wrong parking and better pedestrian movement. “Earlier, footpaths were encroached and congestion was routine. Now, pedestrians can move freely, and traffic jams have reduced,” he said.
Singh said shopkeepers and local traders have also begun cooperating by keeping footpaths clear, easing congestion in market areas.
