The grim reality of road accidents in Jammu & Kashmir can no longer be dismissed as mere statistics. Each year, according to official data, hundreds of lives are lost on the roads, and many more are left permanently disabled. Behind every number lies a shattered family, unfulfilled dreams, and a community plunged into grief. The alarming rise in road mishaps demands not just administrative action but a deep societal awakening—particularly among the youth.
Jammu & Kashmir’s challenging terrain, marked by hilly roads and unpredictable weather, certainly adds to the risks. However, geography alone cannot explain the scale of devastation. Rash driving, over speeding, neglecting seat belts and helmets, mobile phone usage while driving, and lack of awareness about traffic regulations are major contributors. Tragically, a significant proportion of victims are young people—college students whose lives, brimming with potential, are cut short or irreversibly altered in moments of negligence.
In this context, traffic awareness initiatives in educational institutions are not optional—they are essential. Colleges, in particular, serve as critical spaces where attitudes and lifelong habits are shaped. Road safety campaigns, seminars, practical demonstrations with traffic authorities, and the formation of active Road Safety Clubs must become a sustained movement across all colleges in Jammu & Kashmir. Awareness cannot be a one-day event; it must be a continuous process.
Young people are not merely beneficiaries of such programs; they are powerful agents of change. When sensitized properly, they can influence families, peers, and communities. Embedding traffic education into campus culture can foster a sense of civic responsibility and discipline. Introducing structured modules on road safety, inviting experts to share real-life case studies, and organizing interactive road shows can create lasting impact.
At the same time, awareness must be supported by systemic improvements—better road infrastructure, clear signage, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and consistent monitoring of violations. Law enforcement alone, however, cannot guarantee safety. Sustainable change comes when citizens internalize responsibility.
Road accidents are not acts of fate; they are preventable tragedies. Treating them as unavoidable only perpetuates the cycle of loss. Jammu & Kashmir’s youth represent its future strength and promise. Protecting them from the “bloody dance of death” on our roads is a collective duty—of government, institutions, families, and society at large.
If we commit to sustained education, strict compliance, and a culture of accountability, we can transform our roads from corridors of danger into pathways of safety and progress. The time to act is now.DD
Chief Editor
Diplomat Digital