Over 8.1 lakh lives lost in four years in road accidents: Srinagar court

Man sentenced to 3 Years jail for letting minor son Drive.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 06 (STC): Road safety has emerged as a big concern in the country. There is no decline in road accidents and loss of precious lives continues to create havoc in affected families.
A Srinagar court while pronouncing its judgment in an accident case stated that there are alarming road fatalities during the period 2020–2024.
The court cited India’s rising road deaths, over 8.1 lakh lives lost in four years. In the year 2020, the number of lives listed in the accident stood at 1,38,383. In 2021, 1,53,972 lost their lives in the accidents. In 2022, 2023 and 2024, the loss of human lives in accidents stood at 1,68,491, 1,72,890, 1,77,177 respectively.
Calling the figures “deeply alarming,” the court stressed strict enforcement of traffic laws.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar court sentenced a man to three years’ simple imprisonment for allowing his minor son to drive, an act termed a serious risk to public safety.
Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Shabir Ahmad Malik convicted Mushtaq Ahmad under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, also imposing a ₹25,000 fine.
The court ordered cancellation of vehicle registration for 12 months and placed the accused on probation, considering no past criminal record. The court also directed the accused to execute a ₹2 lakh good-conduct bond for two years. If violated, the 3-year sentence will be enforced and the bond amount forfeited
The court observed that the basic safety measures such as seat belts, helmets, no phones while driving, must be habits, not formality. Underage driving is a major cause of accidents and traffic chaos, observed the court and directed that parents/guardians must never allow minors to drive. “Many minors drive around schools and markets, posing danger. Schools must take active responsibility to prevent underage driving and ‘No Vehicle for Minors’ Policy should be put in place, the court said.
The court directed the Commissioner/Secretary, School Education, to:

• Educate students and parents on dangers of underage driving.
• ⁠Implement a strict “No Vehicle for Minors” policy on all school campuses.
• ⁠Strengthen discipline to prevent minors from accessing vehicles
  The court also asked the IGP Traffic, J&K to launch a special drive against underage drivers.
  (Straight Talk Communications)