In a decisive move to curb road accidents, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared that issuing fines or challans is not a permanent solution. He has ordered stringent measures against habitual violators of traffic rules, which include the seizure of driving licences and the impounding of vehicles.
Comprehensive Road Safety Overhaul Ordered
The Chief Minister emphasised that firmness is unavoidable in matters directly linked to saving human lives. He directed officials to frame clear guidelines and enforce them rigorously. A major focus of the directives was the identification and permanent rectification of accident black spots and critical points across the state.
CM Yogi pointed out that poor road engineering significantly contributes to accidents. He listed faulty signage, unregulated cuts, blind curves, and improperly designed speed breakers as key hazards. Road-owning agencies, including the Public Works Department (PWD), have been instructed to ensure time-bound improvements. The CM mandated that only table-top speed breakers should be constructed and that regular road safety audits must be conducted without fail.
Strict Vehicle Fitness and Driver Safety Rules
Special instructions were issued for mandatory fitness checks of ambulances, school vehicles, and heavy transport. The government aims to ensure that no unfit vehicle operates on the roads. In a significant move to prevent fatigue-related accidents, the deployment of two drivers has been made compulsory for all long-distance passenger vehicles travelling over 300 km.
The Chief Minister also stressed strict control on overspeeding and the promotion of lane discipline. He called for increased patrolling on expressways and the augmentation of ambulance and crane services for quicker response to incidents.
Golden Hour Response and Inter-Departmental Coordination
Highlighting the critical importance of the Golden Hour, CM Yogi stated that faster medical assistance can dramatically reduce fatalities. He directed that private hospitals with trauma facilities be integrated into the state's accident response system.
To ensure swift treatment for victims, a coordinated network involving multiple departments is to be developed. The Departments of Home, Transport, PWD, Expressway Authority, Medical & Health, and Medical Education must work in unison. The CM further ordered that the response times of 108 and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances must be reduced further.
Clearing Roads and Curbing Nuisances
Reiterating that roads are meant for movement, not parking, the CM ordered strict action against illegal roadside parking. He directed that no tempo, bus, or rickshaw stands be permitted along roads. Furthermore, construction material must not spill onto roads, and local bodies were made solely responsible for creating designated vending zones.
The CM highlighted the risks posed by abandoned vehicles, illegal passenger carriers, and trucks parked along highways and expressways, ordering immediate corrective action. He also declared zero tolerance for stunt riding, noting it endangers both the rider and all other road users.
In a related directive, the Chief Minister instructed officials to maintain continued vigilance against illegal liquor activities. He emphasised that liquor shops must not be located near schools, colleges, or religious places, and their signage must adhere strictly to prescribed norms.
Focus on High-Accident Districts
Concluding the review meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath interacted with the district magistrates of high-accident districts like Hardoi, Prayagraj, Agra, and Kanpur Nagar. They discussed the major causative factors of accidents in their regions. The DMs were directed to formulate and strictly implement special district-level action plans, combining firmness with sensitivity, to effectively curb road accidents.
