Srinagar, Jan 01: Flagging off ‘Sadak Suraksha, Jeevan Raksha’, rally here, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic City Srinagar, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, on Thursday said the event is aimed at promoting responsible driving and adherence to traffic norms across the city.
The rally, which marked the beginning of Road Safety Month, commenced from the City Traffic Office in Srinagar.
Speaking to the media during the flag-off ceremony, SSP Aijaz Ahmad Bhat said the initiative is part of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ month-long awareness programme designed to educate road users about safety and responsibility.
“A person behind the wheel holds responsibility for his own safety and that of others. When one loses control, it can harm not only the driver but also pedestrians and fellow commuters. This campaign aims to make people aware, urging them to follow rules and ensure smooth, safe and calm traffic movement,” SSP Bhat said.
The rally, which passed through downtown Srinagar and Fore-shore Road, sought to sensitize the public on safe driving habits, lane discipline and parking etiquette.
SSP Bhat said the goal was to build a culture of “responsible citizenship” where drivers take pride in courteous road behaviour.
“When people return home after their journey, they should feel they met well-behaved drivers. We want to nurture disciplined traffic culture,” he added.
Responding to a question about the use of hooters, sirens and vehicle modifications by influential persons, the SSP said the Traffic Department has adopted a multi-pronged strategy combining regulation and enforcement.
“Our enforcement drive covers hooters, illegal modifications and other violations. We are focusing strongly on these aspects to ensure every motorist becomes a law-abiding and disciplined citizen,” he said.
On vehicle documentation, SSP Bhat shared that there has been visible improvement as motorists increasingly carry complete papers and ownership documents during inspections. “The ongoing month-long checking drive is bearing fruit, people are now more attentive to maintaining valid documents,” he said.
He stated that enforcement teams are also cracking down on the misuse of high-beam lights, which cause inconvenience and safety risks for oncoming drivers.
“High-beams, hooters, modifications, all fall under enforcement focus. We are committed to ensuring compliance and road discipline,” the SSP said, reiterating that the campaign will continue throughout the month with sustained public outreach and checking drives—(KNO)
