Himachal Pradesh Police Unveil eDAR System to Tackle Road Accident Crisis
In a significant move to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities, the Himachal Pradesh police have officially launched an electronic detailed accident report (eDAR) system. This innovative, data-driven initiative is designed to address the state's concerning statistics on road accidents, which have been a persistent issue in its challenging hilly terrain.
Addressing Alarming Accident Rates with Proactive Measures
Annually, Himachal Pradesh records over 1,920 road accidents, resulting in approximately 800 fatalities. The introduction of the eDAR system underscores the police force's commitment to shifting from reactive to proactive policing strategies. Director General of Police Ashok Tewari emphasized that the eDAR is not merely a tool for record-keeping but serves as a predictive mechanism to prevent accidents before they occur.
"We are leveraging technology to identify accident-prone black spots and deploy our manpower strategically to avert crashes," stated DGP Tewari during the announcement on Thursday. This approach aims to mitigate risks by analyzing data to pinpoint high-risk areas and times.
Targeting High-Risk Hours and Enhancing Enforcement
Police officials have identified the period between 6 pm and 9 pm as the "danger hour," when accidents spike due to factors like reduced visibility and driver fatigue. In response, Deputy Inspector General Gurdev Sharma confirmed that intensified patrolling and the deployment of interceptors on highways will be implemented during these critical hours to enforce traffic laws and deter violations.
The eDAR system also integrates several post-accident relief measures to support victims efficiently. These include:
- Providing Rs 1.5 lakh in cashless treatment for immediate medical care.
- Facilitating fast-track insurance claims through the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
- Offering incentives for good samaritans under the ‘Rah-Veer’ scheme to encourage public assistance and ensure transparency in aid delivery.
Comprehensive Safety Initiatives and Legal Alignment
Beyond the eDAR system, the police have rolled out additional safety measures to complement the technological intervention. These include the installation of speed cameras and alco-sensors to monitor and deter speeding and drunk driving, the removal of illegal roadside parking to clear obstructions, and the placement of high-visibility signage on sharp curves to warn drivers of potential hazards.
Officials highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Supreme Court's mandate in the S Rajaseekaran vs Union of India case, which emphasizes the use of technology to protect citizens' fundamental right to life. By adopting such advanced systems, Himachal Pradesh aims to set a precedent in leveraging data and innovation for public safety, ultimately striving to reduce road accidents and save lives across the state.
