Bhubaneswar, December 23: In a bid to enhance road safety across the seven districts of Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh, and Khordha region, Dr. Satyajit Naik, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Central Range), Cuttack, has issued a series of targeted directives to the Superintendents of Police (SsP) under his command. These measures are aligned with the Odisha Government's observance of National Road Safety Month, beginning January 1, 2026.
The eight-point directive aims to achieve the goal of "Zero Fatalities" by combining strict enforcement with proactive community engagement. The key elements of the directive are as follows:
- Enhanced Police Presence: SsP are instructed to increase police visibility, especially during peak hours, and focus on high-accident areas, known as "Black Spots."
- Impaired Driving Checks: Police teams will carry out surprise breathalyzer tests to deter impaired driving. Strict legal actions will be taken against violators.
- Speed Limit Enforcement: Special attention will be given to enforcing speed limits in sensitive areas, such as school zones, hospitals, and busy marketplaces.
- Helmet and Seatbelt Compliance: Rigorous checks will be conducted to ensure that both riders and passengers use helmets, and drivers and passengers wear seatbelts across all urban and rural routes.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Districts will be encouraged to organize awareness rallies and social media campaigns to educate citizens on road safety protocols.
- Vehicle Safety Standards: Coordination with the State Transport Authority (STA) and transport officials will be intensified to ensure vehicles comply with safety standards and fitness regulations.
- Immediate Accident Response: Police personnel will prioritize quick response times to road accidents, focusing on the "Golden Hour" to provide life-saving assistance to victims.
- Data Collection and Analysis: All units will be required to systematically collect and analyze accident data to identify emerging risk patterns and implement corrective infrastructure measures.
"Public safety remains our top priority," stated Dr. Naik. "These directives are not only about enforcement but also about fostering a culture of road safety and responsibility among the citizens of Odisha."
