Srinagar, Jul 11 (KNO): Stressing that road traffic injuries are preventable, public health experts have called for adopting a comprehensive "Safe System Approach" in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on safer roads, responsible road users, safer vehicles, effective law enforcement, and improved post-crash emergency care.
The framework, as per Dr S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Professor, Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College Srinagar, "outlines a multi-sector strategy based on the internationally recognised Haddon Matrix, which examines factors before, during, and after road crashes to reduce fatalities and serious injuries."
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the framework emphasises that "road safety is a shared responsibility involving government departments, law enforcement agencies, healthcare institutions, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and citizens."
As per the recommendations, "human behaviour remains one of the most important contributors to road crashes". Drivers should "possess valid driving licences, avoid speeding, refrain from using mobile phones while driving, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, ensure adequate sleep before long journeys, and strictly use helmets, seat belts, and child restraint systems". Defensive driving, maintaining safe distances, and adhering to traffic rules are also highlighted as essential measures.
The document further stresses that "prompt post-crash response can save lives". It advises people to "immediately contact emergency services through 112 or 108, provide first aid only if trained, avoid moving seriously injured victims unless necessary, control bleeding, and assist in safe evacuation until medical teams arrive".
Vehicle safety has been identified as a "critical pillar of accident prevention". The report recommends "regular vehicle fitness checks, proper tyre maintenance, functional brakes and lighting systems, emission control, and adherence to permissible load limits". It also encourages the use of "modern safety technologies such as airbags, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), rollover protection, daytime running lights, GPS-based emergency location systems, and automatic crash notification systems" to minimise crash impact.
Significant improvements in road infrastructure are also advocated. The framework calls for "well-maintained roads, clear lane markings, reflective signages, median barriers, guard rails, adequate street lighting, black spot identification and correction, pedestrian crossings, motorcycle lanes where feasible, and proper drainage systems". It recommends establishing "trauma care centres at regular intervals along highways, clearly marked emergency phones, helipad access in remote areas, and uninterrupted all-weather road maintenance".
"Strong policy measures and strict enforcement are equally important," the report states. It suggests measures like "installation of speed cameras, enhanced surveillance, strict penalties for traffic violations, graduated licensing systems, compulsory road safety education in schools, enforcement of helmet and seat belt laws, child restraint regulations, vehicle fitness certification, emergency trauma care standards, and integrated road crash data systems".
The framework also highlights "several measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)" for assessing progress over the next five years. These include "a substantial reduction in road traffic deaths, increased compliance with helmet and seat belt usage, greater use of child restraint systems, reduction in accident-prone black spots, improved ambulance response times—targeting less than 15 minutes in urban areas and under 30 minutes on highways—and comprehensive trauma registry reporting across healthcare facilities".
Recognising Jammu and Kashmir's unique geographical challenges, the document proposes "region-specific interventions". On National Highway-44 and other highways, it recommends "strict control of over-speeding, fatigue management for long-distance drivers, early warning systems for fog, snow, and black ice, installation of rumble strips and reflective signage, regular highway patrols, intelligent transport systems, and trauma stabilisation units every 50 to 75 kilometres."
For the mountainous roads, the framework advocates "stronger guard rails, landslide and rockfall protection measures, avalanche monitoring systems, escape lanes on steep descents, convoy regulation during snowfall, slope stabilisation, and improved reflective signage and curve mirrors".
In urban centres like Srinagar and Jammu, it recommends "speed-calming measures near schools and hospitals, protected pedestrian crossings, dedicated cycling infrastructure where feasible, intelligent traffic signal systems, better parking management, dedicated public transport lanes, and CCTV-based traffic enforcement".
The report identifies a "wide range of stakeholders responsible for implementing these measures", including "the Health and Medical Education Department, Traffic Police, Transport Department, Public Works Department, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Health Mission, Municipal Corporations, medical colleges, district hospitals, educational institutions, NGOs, media organisations, and the general public".
It concludes that "road crashes are preventable through coordinated action and sustained public awareness". The report urges every road user to "follow traffic rules, avoid speeding, never drink and drive, refrain from mobile phone use while driving, wear helmets and seat belts, respect pedestrians, and contribute towards building a safer road environment across Jammu and Kashmir."
"Follow traffic rules—it's not just the law, it's a responsibility towards protecting human life," the framework states, reiterating that "safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles, safe road users, and safe post-crash care together can save thousands of lives"—(KNO)