TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, TDD,Jammu and Kashmir has been struck by an alarming number of road accidents in 2024, with a total of 4990 crashes resulting in the loss of 703 lives and leaving 6820 individuals injured.
The tragic toll highlights the region’s ongoing struggle with road safety, particularly on its challenging and often hazardous routes.
The two major cities, Srinagar and Jammu, have borne the brunt of the fatalities. Jammu reported the highest number of deaths, with 105 people killed in various accidents. These occurred primarily on the busy Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a major thoroughfare that connects the two cities and sees heavy traffic, particularly during the winter months. Meanwhile, Srinagar recorded 43 fatalities, with accidents affecting not just the city itself, but the treacherous mountain roads leading to tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
In addition to these urban areas, rural regions and smaller towns have also experienced their share of accidents. Many of these crashes have occurred on narrow, winding roads that snake through the rugged terrain of the region’s hilly landscape. The lack of proper road infrastructure, coupled with frequent landslides and heavy snowfall, makes these routes particularly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Of the 4990 total accidents, a significant proportion involved two-wheelers, which are often the most vulnerable road users. Many accidents have also involved pedestrians, a reflection of poor road safety awareness among both drivers and the public. The number of injuries—6820 in total—paints a grim picture, with many of the victims sustaining life-altering injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and internal injuries.
The injured victims face a long road to recovery, with the region’s healthcare facilities struggling to meet the growing demand for emergency care. Despite efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir traffic police to enforce traffic laws more strictly, the rising number of fatalities and injuries suggests that more comprehensive measures are needed to address the root causes of road accidents.
Experts point to several contributing factors that have exacerbated the situation. Reckless driving, speeding, and a lack of respect for traffic laws remain prevalent, especially during the night. Poor visibility during the winter months, combined with the use of outdated vehicles and overloading, further contribute to the frequency of these crashes. Additionally, road conditions remain inadequate in many areas, with potholes, lack of proper signage, and insufficient lighting making driving perilous, especially in more remote areas.
Authorities have initiated several measures to reduce accidents, such as heightened patrols, awareness campaigns, and improved law enforcement. However, road infrastructure in the region needs urgent improvement, with calls for better road widening, the installation of crash barriers, and better signage to help drivers navigate dangerous stretches of road.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to face the severe consequences of road accidents, experts are urging the government to invest more in improving roads, increasing safety measures, and promoting road safety education among the public. The tragic loss of 703 lives this year serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for action to reduce the road toll and ensure the safety of all road users in the region.
The situation underscores the pressing need for a multi-faceted approach to road safety, combining infrastructure improvements, stricter traffic regulations, and greater public awareness to reduce the frequency of accidents and prevent further loss of life. (TDD)
