DRIVE WITH CAUTION
It is sad that every now and then people are losing lives in tragic road accidents in J&K especially in the hilly belts where the terrain is difficult and navigation of vehicles is a bit dicey. Though the government has improved the road infrastructure to an optimal level, the limitations due to high mountains and narrow curves create hindrances in assessing vehicles coming from the other side besides steep turns often gives doge to commuters on wheels resulting in accidents which at times snatch away precious lives. In this context, sad news has been coming from J&K’s Doda district where reportedly six people have been killed after two cars veered off the road and plunged into a stream in two separate accidents. Two people were also injured in the two accidents that took place on Doda-Bhaderwah road within a span of six hours. This is not the single or one can say double case where people have lost lives in the twin accidents as this has become a routine affair and most of the time the cause of the accident is unnecessary hurry, rash driving and driving under the influence of liquor or other kinds of intoxicants. As everyone commuting in the hilly areas knows well that there are difficult turns and twists and to reach home safely, there is dire need to take extra precaution on the roads especially in regions where there are high mountains, deep gorges and valleys, but often people take things lightly and land into trouble. Under the present regime, the work of making all the roads in J&K of international standards is underway but until this goal is achieved it is the responsibility of the people to drive with caution and ensure that not even a drop of blood spills on the UT’s roads. The quick response by the Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh in providing all the help to the injured shows that the centre is keen in providing succor to people but till the time roads in the far flung districts get upto the mark, it is the responsibility of people to drive with caution and ensure that accident rate comes to minimal level.