Those drivers of Haryana Roadways who are found using mobile phone while driving buses would be placed under suspension.
Haryana Transport Minister Krishan lal Panwar made an announcement in this regard after presiding over a meeting of the State Road Safety Council here on Wednesday.
He said that he had been frequently receiving complaints regarding use of mobile phones by State Roadways drivers while driving the buses which creates risk of accident. Therefore, the erring drivers would now invite stern action against themselves, he added.
The Minister also reviewed the working of various departments to further improve road safety.
During the meeting, the officers of the Public Works (Building and Roads) Department apprised the Minister that 1,170 accident-prone locations have been identified in the State out of which 1,078 places have been fixed. There are such 92 accident prone areas where work is yet to be undertaken.
Similarly, 1,051 such locations have been identified where there is a need to install speed breakers. Out of these, 915 speed breakers have been installed and work is in progress on the remaining.
On this issue, the Transport Minister asked the officers concerned to mend all such identified accident-prone locations by the end of August, this year. In addition to the construction of speed breakers at prescribed locations, he directed them to ensure that traffic lights are functional and road signboards are installed.
While expressing concern over the speed breakers constructed in an unauthorised manner at National Highway, which cause accidents, the Minister directed the officers of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to remove all such speed breakers with the assistance of District Administration.
He also directed the officers of NHAI to accelerate the pace of construction of foot over-bridge and under-bridge at National Highways.
Notably, Haryana Government had last month announced its road safety policy aimed at reducing the number of road accidents and ensure safety of commuters in the state.
The policy aimed at achieving 50 per cent reduction in fatalities and injuries by the year 2025, considering 2015 as the base year, and lay emphasis on enhancing awareness about road safety.
The objectives of the comprehensive road safety policy are to establish road safety information database, enhance safer road infrastructure, safety of vulnerable road users, lay emphasis on road traffic safety education and training, strict enforcement of traffic laws, emergency medical assistance to road accident victims, research for road safety and strengthening institutional arrangements.
As many as 5,250 people had died while 11,564 were injured in road accidents between January 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016 in the State. A total of 12,009 accidents had occurred during this period. Also, 8,912 vehicles which had caused accidents were traced and 8,849 drivers
were arrested, as per government records.
The State Government had also introduced Haryana Road Safety Fund Rules, framed to ensure safe travel, finance related activities and facilitate emergency assistance to accident victims in the State. The rules also seek to strengthen institutional arrangements, set up road safety information database, ensure safe road infrastructure, safer vehicles, safe drivers and enforcement of the traffic laws in Haryana.