In response to the escalating cases of road mishaps, particularly the recent tragic incident at Circuit House Area in Bistupur resulting in the loss of six lives, the East Singhbhum district police have initiated a comprehensive plan to install new speed breakers at crucial points across the city's accident-prone zones.
The surge in road accidents has prompted the district administration to take decisive action in identifying and addressing the high-risk areas. This strategic initiative aims to enhance road safety and curb the rising number of mishaps.
The district administration, in collaboration with the traffic police, has pinpointed six critical accident-prone zones: Hathigora Temple area (near Sakchi-Mango Road and Subarnarekha Link Road) Jubilee Park gate (near district collectorate), Garam Nullah (near Tata Steel Security Training Centre), Voltas Building turnaround in Bistupur (Bistupur-Jugsalai intersection). The road between Litti Chowk in Bhuiyadih and Slag Road in Humepipe and Circuit House roundabout.
While the identified points for installing speed breakers have been finalized, the authorities are taking a collaborative approach. A meeting with the utility company, Tata Steel UISL, which owns and maintains the roads, is scheduled to ensure seamless coordination and obtain necessary approvals.
A senior traffic police officer emphasized the significance of collaboration with the company, recognizing their ownership of the roads. The installation of speed breakers or any other form of speed dividers will proceed only after receiving a nod from the utility company.
To complement the physical speed breakers, the traffic police are considering the implementation of an automated speed regulating system. This system, equipped with a speed gun device capable of recording vehicle speed accurately from a distance of 1.2 km, aims to deter rash driving. Provisions for hefty fines will be integrated to ensure compliance with speed limits.
Despite the presence of speed limit hoardings at sensitive zones, their effectiveness has come under scrutiny. The proposed automated speed regulating system is expected to provide a more robust solution to address reckless driving.
During the winter season, there has been a sudden surge in road accidents, turning the roads into what feels like 'death traps.' Within the first few months of the year, more than 30 cases of accidents have been reported in Jamshedpur.
Trucks and trailers have emerged as the primary vehicles at fault in road accidents, resulting in the death of over 100 individuals and injuries to more than 400 people last year. The statistics underscore the urgent need to address the twin menace of over-speeding and rash driving.
The District Traffic Advisory Committee, established for several years, has taken up various issues to address the rising incidents of road accidents in East Singhbhum. Despite its presence, the committee has faced challenges in convening meetings to deliberate on road rage cases.
As the authorities undertake comprehensive measures to enhance road safety, the installation of new speed breakers stands as a crucial step in safeguarding lives and promoting responsible driving behavior in Jamshedpur.
