Kolkata Traffic Police Intensifies Road Safety Campaign at Critical Accident Zones
In a proactive move to enhance road safety, senior officers from the Kolkata Traffic Police conducted extensive field visits to two high-risk accident zones on Thursday. The initiative focused on DH Road near ESI Hospital in Joka and the bustling Behala Chowrasta crossing, where officials engaged directly with the public to address safety concerns.
Targeted Engagement with Vulnerable Road Users
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic & Crime) Rupesh Kumar led the efforts, spending approximately 30 minutes at each location. He initiated detailed conversations with pedestrians, hawkers, relatives of ESI Hospital patients, auto-rickshaw drivers, and rickshaw-pullers. The discussions aimed to sensitize these groups about critical road safety practices and gather firsthand feedback about the challenges they face daily.
This campaign comes as a direct response to a alarming spike in accidents on the stretch near ESI Hospital, where five individuals lost their lives in three separate incidents over just ten days. The police have identified this area as particularly hazardous, prompting immediate intervention.
Comprehensive Safety Measures Implemented
Prior to these interactions, on Wednesday, the Kolkata Traffic Police rolled out a series of structural and regulatory measures to mitigate risks. These interventions include:
- Modification of the ESI Hospital gate access system
- Elimination of a dangerous U-turn point
- Installation of rumble strips to slow down vehicles
- Placement of convex mirrors to improve visibility
During the sessions, Kumar emphasized the unique vulnerabilities at hospital crossings, where time-sensitive emergencies often lead to rushed movements. He issued clear directives to hawkers, instructing them to avoid obstructing roads to ensure unimpeded access for ambulances and patients' relatives. Auto-rickshaw drivers were specifically urged to refrain from picking up or dropping passengers in the middle of the road or near hospital gates, which could block critical pathways.
Positive Response from Auto-Rickshaw Operators
The police's appeal resonated with several auto-rickshaw drivers, who acknowledged their role in maintaining road safety. Ashok Kumdu, an operator on the Pailan-Thakurpukur route, stated, "Sometimes, our parking arrangements inadvertently allow motorcycles to enter from the left side, creating potential accident risks. I will make a conscious effort to be more careful in the future." This reflection highlights a growing awareness among drivers about their responsibility in preventing accidents.
Focus on Pedestrian Behavior at Behala Chowrasta
At Behala Chowrasta, Kumar continued the outreach, engaging with pedestrians and auto drivers at this major intersection, which serves as the starting point for eight auto-rickshaw routes. Police officers noted that this location experiences the highest volume of pedestrian crossover on DH Road. They advised pedestrians to wait for traffic signals to turn red before crossing and to avoid darting across the road without checking for oncoming vehicles.
The Kolkata Traffic Police's multi-pronged approach combines infrastructure improvements with community engagement to foster a culture of safety. By addressing both environmental factors and human behavior, they aim to significantly reduce accident rates in these identified hotspots, ensuring safer roads for all users.
