Police take steps to curb accidents on highways

State highway traffic police say there are specific reasons for accidents taking place on each of the highways, including bad roads, human errors and mechanical failures

The Maharashtra Highway Traffic police are taking a slew of preventive measures this year to curb the number of road accidents in the state.

DM Bansode, inspector, highway traffic police, said the department conducted a study on accidents on highways for three years. “We noted that there were specific reasons for accidents taking place on each of the highways, including bad roads, human errors and mechanical failures. We have sent the reports to authorities concerned including the PWD and MSRDC. We are also trying to find solutions,” he said.

Another measure being planned is a mobile application for people involved in accidents. The moment the app is started, two messages will be sent - one to the highway police control room and another to the person’s kin. Using GPS, the location will be spotted and help will be provided immediately, within the golden period, an officer said.

The highway police have noted that another major concern is the landslides. They have sent reports to PWD, MSRDC, IRB and NHI to make a note of the spots that are landslide prone, the officer added.

Officers said despite the measures they take, they face several limitations. A proposal to increase the manpower, get more speed guns and breath analyzers is yet to materialise. Hindustan Times had reported last month how the highway police is short staffed by a 43%.

Another limitation the highway police face is they have the power to enforce only eight sections under the Motor Vehicles Act. They include sections 177 (general provision for punishment of offence), 180 (unauthorised driver), 181 (driving without licence or driving by minor), 183 (speeding), 184 (dangerous driving), 189 (racing), 192 (no registration of vehicle) and 196 (uninsured vehicle). These sections do not include section 185 for drunk driving.