By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 15: Road accidents in Meghalaya in the past three years claimed the lives of nearly 500 people.
Rash driving, over-speeding and driving under the influence of liquor were cited as the main reasons behind the mishaps.
According to data available with the Meghalaya Police, there were 205 road accidents in 2020 in which 138 people were killed while 212 others were injured.
In 2021, altogether 187 people lost their lives and 263 others were injured. Last year, 162 people were killed while 310 others were injured in 246 road accidents.
Over-speeding was blamed for 115 accidents, dangerous, over-taking and careless driving for 68 and driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol for 24 others.
Even in Shillong, people, including youngsters, tend to drive recklessly. The questionable practice of issuing licenses by the authorities without conducting mandatory driving skill tests has raised concerns. The police organised some awareness programmes on safe driving in recent times but they rarely carry out license checks.
Some people observed that one of the most common causes of accidents, particularly involving two-wheelers in the city, is rash riding by young boys who disregard their own safety as well as that of others. But some motorists contended that accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles are often a result of people haphazardly crossing roads without proper caution. They also said that accidents can also occur due to the presence of gravel and oil spills on the road surface.