By Bizodisha Bureau, September 27, 2016 : The Odisha government on Tuesday sought reports from concerned departments within 15 days on the actions taken to contain road accidents in the state.

In the last three years 12,296 people have died due to accidents on the state and national highways. Two wheelers and light vehicles were more prone to accidents. Mostly the young drivers in the age group of 21 to 43 caused more of the accidents; it was revealed in a meeting chaired by chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padny here.

Padhi spoke to district collectors through video conference. Issues of drunken driving, talking over mobile phone while driving, over speeding and reckless driving, overloading of vehicles and the like figured during the review meeting.

Moreover, the chief secretary sought reports within 15 days from different departments on steps taken on the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court instituted Committee on Road Safety.

“Five things need to be enforced to curb accidents. Drunken driving, over speeding and use of mobile phones, while driving has to be strictly shunned to curb road mishaps. Odisha Road Safety Policy, Hoarding Policy, School Bus Policy and Good Samaritan Policy need to be implemented,” said Chandrasekhar Kumar, Transport Commissioner after the meeting.

Padhi advised to ensure 100% surprise checks and massive enforcement activities in each month in a coordinated manner. Padhi also asked the Collectors to work out road safety action plans at the district level and communicate it to Transport Commissioner within 10 days.

Further, Padhi directed the Collectors to popularize the Good Samaritan Policy put in place by Govt for recognizing the services rendered by the good Samaritans who help the accident victims by taking them to hospital. Collectors were advised to publicize and popularize the policy on a campaign mode.

Development Commissioner R. Balakrishan participating in the discussion said that the good Samaritans who help the accident victims should be felicitated and awarded in the public meetings so that such services become ideal for others.