By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 22: President of AIIMS Guwahati, Prof. BKS Sanjay, has expressed serious concern over the growing number of road accidents in Meghalaya in particular and the Northeast in general.
Speaking at a seminar on road safety at NEIGRIHMS here on Monday, he highlighted that nearly 90 per cent of road accidents result from human negligence and are largely preventable.
“Rash driving is the major contributing factor. It is a behavioural issue that can be corrected through awareness, education, and disciplined driving practices,” said Prof. Sanjay, who is also a Padma Shri awardee.
He noted that Meghalaya’s road accident fatality rate is significantly higher than the national average, even surpassing some other hilly states.
Citing recent multi-casualty incidents to stress the urgent need for preventive measures, Prof. Sanjay urged both the public and authorities to act decisively. “Strict adherence to traffic rules, responsible driving, strengthened traffic education, awareness programmes and strict enforcement of road safety laws are crucial to saving lives,” he said.
It is pertinent to note that the seminar was organised with an aim to raise awareness about the rising incidence of road traffic accidents in the Northeastern region.
Road safety activist and orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Gaurav Sanjay, who also spoke at the seminar, emphasised the human cost of traffic injuries while stressing that simple measures, such as wearing helmets and seat belts, can drastically reduce both the likelihood and severity of injuries.
