SHILLONG: As the capital city has witnessed sharp increase in the number of road accidents over the past couple of years, the State Transport Department in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, organised a one day ‘Road Safety Advocacy’ with the theme “Your safety, secures your family–Be cautious on Roads” on Friday at U Soso Tham Auditorium here.
Speaking on the occasion, Transport Minister, HDR Lyngdoh stated that the police should be strict and vigilant against traffic rule violators even as he added that police patrolling party should be intensified to contain rash driving in all parts of the State.
He also made a clarion call to pillion riders to wear helmets while urging the Health Department to initiate steps to set up trauma centres on both the State and National Highways.
He further added that cooperation from all stakeholder was needed to make road safety in Meghalaya a success story.
Director General of Police SB Singh, Chief Secretary Y Tsering, Commissioner and Secretary Transport Department T Dkhar, DC East Khasi Hills and others were present for the function.
Later, a bike rally accompanied by a large number of school students marched a rally spreading awareness on road safety
It was learnt that during the period from of January to December,2016 there were 35 accidents with 26 fatalities and 28 injuries in urban areas of the state.
There were 13 road accidents from January to June 2017, where 11 persons died and 12 sustained injuries.