Taking note of the fact that fog and low visibility caused 2,275 road accidents resulting in death of 1,842 persons in 2022 winter season in Bihar, the state transport department on Saturday asked all the district magistrates to ensure that all vehicles use reflective tapes for safety. The DMs have also been asked to conduct to a special drive as part of road safety awareness month.
The reflective tapes or glowing tapes are designed to enhance visibility in low light or at night when the actual lights of vehicles are not able to function properly.
State transport department secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said over 4.50 lakh road accidents occur in the country annually in which at least 1.50 lakh people die. “Among the victims, 50% happen to be youths. In a bid to curb accidents, road safety awareness programme will be conducted in the state till February 14. ‘Awareness rath’ has been sent to every district and road safety oath is being administered in various institutions and offices,” he said.
“Fog and low visibility often trigger accidents in winters. In 2022, at least 2,275 road accidents occurred due to fog, in which 1,842 people died and 1,449 were seriously injured. Reflective tapes on vehicles help people travel safely. Under the special campaign, pickup vans, tractors, autos, and other commercial vehicles will be checked for reflective tapes. Fines will be imposed on the vehicles found running without reflective tapes. These tapes will be pasted on the vehicles on the spot,” Agarwal said.
He added, “People should avoid travel during fog as much as possible, use indicators continuously, drive on the right side of the road and put radium stickers on their vehicles. Vehicles should never be stopped in the middle of the road,” Agarwal added.
