NONGPOH, March 12: With road accidents surging along National Highway 6, authorities in Nongpoh have intensified efforts to enforce traffic regulations and promote road safety. In response, the Nongpoh Traffic Police recently held a public awareness meeting, urging drivers to strictly adhere to traffic laws to prevent further tragedies.
Speaking to the media, Nongpoh Traffic Branch officer B Thangkhiew made a strong appeal to drivers, stressing on the need for responsible driving, strict adherence to traffic regulations, and ensuring that all necessary vehicle and personal documents — including driving licences — are in order.
He particularly urged commercial vehicle owners, especially autorickshaw operators in Nongpoh, to verify a driver’s credentials before handing over their vehicles. He warned that hiring unlicensed drivers not only puts passengers, including women and children, at risk but also carries legal consequences for vehicle owners, who will be held accountable alongside the driver if found in violation.
Thangkhiew expressed concern that despite repeated awareness campaigns, many drivers continue to flout traffic rules, often driving recklessly with little regard for human life. He highlighted the dangers of speeding and drunk driving, cautioning that such reckless behavior—often mistaken for bravery—leads only to disaster. He also warned that penalties for traffic violations have significantly increased, making it even more imperative for drivers to comply with the law.
For those uncertain about traffic regulations, Thangkhiew encouraged them to visit the Nongpoh police station to seek guidance from traffic enforcement officers.
Meanwhile, Nongpoh Region Auto Owners and Drivers Association (NRAODA) president Banasar Lyngdoh Nonglait also urged autorickshaw drivers and owners to ensure their documents and licences are up to date, stressing that compliance with government regulations is crucial for public safety.
Issuing a stern warning, Nonglait stated that autorickshaw drivers caught operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs would face strict legal action. He stated that this reckless behaviour not only endangers passengers and pedestrians but is also a serious legal offense, with fines for drunk driving reaching up to Rs 10,000. He remarked that while some offenders appear unconcerned about potential fines as high as Rs 20,000, many do not even have Rs 2,000 in their pockets when the time comes to pay.
Raising another major concern, Nonglait expressed disappointment that many autorickshaw drivers operate without a valid licence, even though obtaining one costs only Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000.
He criticised their negligence, noting their willingness to spend money on unnecessary activities while failing to prioritise legal compliance.
He further pledged that his organization, which advocates for the welfare of autorickshaw drivers, will work closely with the Nongpoh police. If any drivers are found violating traffic laws — especially by driving under the influence — his team will immediately report them to the authorities to ensure strict legal action is taken.
