The Punjab Government on Friday issued a series of traffic related directions to ensure safety of commuters and avoid accidents caused by foggy weather in the winter season.
“During winters when the visibility is low due to weather conditions, number of road accidents increases which can be prevented by taking simple measures,” said state Transport Minister Ajit Singh Kohar.
Directions have been issued to all district transport officers to ensure that vehicles, such as tractor-trolleys, rickshaws, cycles etc that have no lights, must be made to have reflectors so that they may be visible to others on the road.
“Such commuters are at a very high risk of fatality and incidents involving vehicles with no lights are very high during this time of the year. Such accidents could be prevented with the help of enforcing mandatory reflectors on these vehicles,” said Kohar.
Kohar further instructed the Public Works Department to put up signage, informational hoardings and milestones for public safety. He also asked the officers concerned to ensure that wherever there is any road repair or construction going on, warning signages must be placed.
For bridges that do not have any railings, especially in rural areas and along canal banks, an iron or concrete fencing must be built on priority, he directed.
Besides, all traffic and police officers have been asked to ensure that traffic rules are followed and are enforced strictly. They have been instructed to take serious action against violators, especially those drunken driving, over-speeding or that park or stop on flyovers and elevated roads.
Offences like overloading of merchandise in transport vehicles or people in buses or autos will not be spared and will be challaned heavily or worse.
Kohar also made a fervent appeal to the public not to break any traffic rules and follow the same while driving. “They must be aware of hand signals and drive with caution while giving other commuters a clear path. Under no circumstances, they speed or wrongfully overtake other vehicles in such weather,” he said.
In addition, Kohar has asked the Meteorological Department to give daily predictions about weather so that public can be prepared. “Measures will also be taken to educate people of traffic rules, especially the youth and children in schools through seminars and programs,” he said.