The traffic situation across Jammu and Kashmir has quietly evolved into a serious public safety crisis. From major cities like Jammu and Srinagar to smaller towns and remote districts, the same troubling patterns are visible: unlicensed drivers, unregistered vehicles, underage auto-rickshaw operators, overloading, and open violations of traffic rules. What was once considered a localized issue has now become a widespread systemic problem affecting the entire Union Territory.
The most alarming aspect is not merely the violations themselves, but the weak enforcement of existing laws. Motor vehicle regulations clearly prohibit driving without a valid license, operating vehicles without registration, and allowing minors to drive. Yet on the ground, these violations are commonplace. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and private vehicles frequently operate without proper documentation or fitness checks. The gap between law and implementation continues to widen.
Overloading has further intensified the danger. School vans and auto-rickshaws routinely carry far more passengers than permitted, putting children and other commuters at grave risk. Minor accidents have become almost routine, serving as warning signs of potentially larger tragedies ahead. The pressing question remains: must we wait for a catastrophic accident before corrective action is taken?
It is acknowledged that traffic departments often face staff shortages and limited resources. However, these challenges cannot justify the persistent breakdown in enforcement. Occasional checking drives and temporary crackdowns may create brief awareness, but they do not address the root of the problem. What is needed is a coordinated, long-term strategy focused on strict compliance and sustained monitoring.
The licensing system must be strengthened to ensure transparency and accountability. A zero-tolerance policy toward underage drivers should be implemented. Regular vehicle inspection campaigns should be conducted in every district, and unregistered or unfit vehicles must be removed from the roads immediately. Special safety regulations for school transport vehicles must be strictly enforced.
At the same time, public awareness is equally important. Parents must prevent minors from driving. Vehicle owners must refrain from employing untrained drivers. Commuters should refuse to board overloaded or unauthorized vehicles. Road safety is not solely the responsibility of enforcement agencies—it is a shared civic duty.
Jammu and Kashmir’s challenging terrain and weather conditions already increase the risks on its roads. Weak enforcement only compounds those dangers. If decisive action is not taken now, responsibility for future tragedies will not rest solely with reckless drivers but with the entire system that allowed such negligence to persist.
Safe roads are not a luxury; they are a fundamental right of every citizen. It is time for authorities and society alike to act with urgency and resolve before preventable accidents turn into irreversible loss.
Chief Editor
Diplomat Digital
