Arrests those driving while on phone call: Minister
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 17 2023: The Department of Transport observed the National Road Safety Week 2023 under Swachhata Pakhwada at MST Complex, here, on Tuesday.

The observance was attended by Transport minister Khashim Vashum as chief guest and secretary Michael Achom as president, while Imphal West SP Ksh Shivakanta and Traffic Control Police Wing, Manipur SP Wungpam Kasar were present as guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, rr nister Khashim Vashum appreciated the CM, Transport staff, the public, the police department and others concerned over the department's collection of revenue of around Rs 1 crore.

He then observed that the people are starting to understand the importance of life and death.

Regarding dealers refusing to provide RC book or registration numbers to customers at the time of purchasing vehicles, he urged the public to contact the Directorate, and assured that all necessary action will be taken up on the matter.

Emphasising the need for spreading the message of Road Safety Week, the minister urged traffic police personnel to avoid using mobile phones during duty.

In Manipur, most of the road accidents are either caused by technical issues such as brake or steering failure, or due to driving under influence of liquor.

Another cause is talking on mobile phones while driving.

Thus, he urged the police to look into such acts regardless of whether the vehicle belongs to top officials or common people, and arrest the involved individual.

Mentioning the practice of strict compliance to traffic laws in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya capital Shillong, Khashim remarked that there is a stereotype of the more the speed of the vehicle is, the more "manly" the driver is.

He stated that the Transport Department is always thinking about the safety of drivers and as such, urged drivers to cooperate with the department at all times.

The minister then urged the authority concerned to look into reckless drivers, adding that he would extend all possible support in case of involvement of top officials or those in powerful positions.

He continued that one need not be afraid while working according to the rules.

He also highlighted the importance of road safety in view of the upcoming G20 Conference.

In his speech, SP Shivakanta iterated a previous order prohibiting heavy vehicles from plying in the market areas during office hours.

Since, no new order has been issued on the matter, he stressed the need for dissuading the drivers from using the busy road.

He continued that vehicles are often parked on the side of the roads, which are mostly non-designated and dimly-lit, sometimes leading to tragic accidents.

One of the most effective ways to reduce road accidents is for all individuals concerned to be responsible of their own lives.

In addition, parents/guardians must not allow their underage kids to get behind the wheel.

Drivers driving against the speed limit in Imphal and drunk driving are the biggest causes of road accidents, some of which are often fatal, he remarked.

Stressing the need for the people to understand traffic laws thoroughly, the SP, however, observed that many do not follow the rules despite being aware of them.

He then noted that although the number of two-wheeler riders wearing helmets is increasing, most take off the same in areas without police presence.

Thus, we must understand the importance of road safety and respect our lives at all times, the SP contended.

As part of the observance, recognition certificates were presented to best per forming traffic police personnel, officials and media persons, followed by release of a template and short video on road safety.

The traffic police personnel who Were recognised included SP Amakcham Deva -nanda, Imphal East Addl SP Keisham Bijoykumar, Traffic Deputy Superintendent Thomas Thokchom, Traffic SI Y Jayanta Kumar, Traffic ASI Md Zakir and Traffic constable G Jayanta Kumar.

The media persons who were feted are Poknapham senior staff reporter Thongam Premchand and Sanaleibak sub-editor Taorem Bishwajit.

Along with ACDTRC Imphal member secretary Shantikumar Naorem, Transport Department SI (Enforcement), DTO Imphal East Md Sahib Khan and Transport Directorate SI (Enforcement) Huirem Johanson were presented recognition certificates.

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