NONGPOH, April 14: A concerning rise in road accidents along major highways in Ri-Bhoi, particularly the National Highway 6 and the Shillong Bypass, has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries in recent weeks, prompting growing fear among commuters and residents.
The frequency and severity of these collisions have caused widespread anxiety, especially among those who have directly witnessed the aftermath of the crashes on these arterial routes.
According to the Ri-Bhoi Police, the surge in traffic mishaps is largely attributed to reckless driving behaviour. Key contributing factors include excessive speeding beyond legal limits, driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal and ill-timed parking — particularly near sharp curves — and the operation of overloaded vehicles that compromise road safety.
In response to the alarming trend, district police authorities have pledged to intensify traffic enforcement measures. These include stricter vehicle checks and stronger action against violators as part of a broader strategy to prevent further loss of life and ensure safer travel for the public.
Meanwhile, the district police issued an appeal to media houses and the general public via a Facebook post, stating: “In the last few weeks, we have witnessed a series of road traffic accidents along NH-6 in the district. Most accidents have occurred due to over-speeding, drunken driving, illegal parking — especially near curves — and overloaded vehicles. Though we are enforcing strict traffic measures, precious lives are still being lost too frequently. We request media houses to highlight this issue and help us spread awareness. Residents are also encouraged to report any such violations by dialing the emergency number 112.”
