SP Kamaldeep Goyal urges motorists to prioritise road safety, protect vulnerable road users and avoid reckless driving
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, IPS, has appealed to all motorists and citizens in the district to make road safety a priority and follow traffic rules sincerely to help prevent road accidents and protect lives. He said responsible driving is not limited to protecting one’s own life but also carries a duty to safeguard every other person using the road.
According to a police spokesperson, the Superintendent of Police emphasised that vehicle drivers form an important pillar of the road safety system. Their conduct behind the wheel can have a direct impact on the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, passengers and other motorists. He urged citizens to understand that even a moment of negligence can have devastating consequences for individuals and families.
Goyal said motorists must strictly follow prescribed speed limits and avoid using mobile phones while driving. He also warned against driving under the influence of intoxicating substances and engaging in dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. Such practices, he said, can turn an otherwise routine journey into a potentially fatal accident.
The Superintendent of Police stressed that adherence to traffic regulations is both a legal and moral responsibility. Drivers should remain alert at all times and avoid actions that could place themselves or other road users at risk. He said road safety requires discipline, patience and respect for the lives of others sharing the road.
The police have also issued a series of safety guidelines for motorists and other road users. Two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers have been advised to wear quality helmets at all times. Similarly, occupants of four-wheelers have been urged to use seat belts without exception.
The police have particularly emphasised the need to protect vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, children and senior citizens. Drivers should exercise additional caution around such road users and give them adequate space and time to move safely.
Goyal also advised vehicle owners to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles. Brakes, tyres, headlights, tail lights and indicators should be checked regularly and kept in proper working condition. Mechanical problems can significantly increase the risk of accidents, particularly when vehicles are driven at high speeds or in poor visibility conditions.
Commercial and public transport operators have also been urged to follow safety standards strictly. Drivers of buses, goods vehicles and other commercial or public transport vehicles should not carry passengers or goods beyond the permitted capacity. Overloading can compromise vehicle stability, braking efficiency and overall road safety.
The police also appealed to commercial and public transport drivers to maintain decent and courteous behaviour with passengers. Responsible conduct by drivers is important not only for passenger safety but also for creating a safer and more orderly traffic environment.
Special attention has been drawn to the operation of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws. Their drivers have been cautioned against stopping vehicles in the middle of the road to pick up or drop off passengers. The police said stopping in the middle of busy roads can create a serious hazard for approaching vehicles and may lead to avoidable accidents.
Drivers of such vehicles have been advised to stop only at safe locations and ensure that passengers board or alight without obstructing moving traffic. A few seconds saved by stopping at an unsafe location, the police cautioned, can potentially result in serious consequences.
The Superintendent of Police said road safety cannot be achieved through police enforcement or administrative measures alone. It requires collective participation from citizens, drivers, pedestrians, vehicle owners, transport operators and other stakeholders.
He appealed to residents to make traffic discipline part of their everyday behaviour and to encourage family members, friends and colleagues to follow road safety norms. Setting a personal example, he said, can encourage others to adopt safer driving practices.
The police administration’s message comes with a focus on preventing accidents rather than merely responding after incidents occur. Following speed limits, avoiding distractions, wearing protective equipment and maintaining vehicles are among the basic measures that can significantly reduce avoidable risks on roads.
Goyal said every citizen should recognise that road safety is a shared responsibility. A driver who follows traffic rules not only protects himself or herself but also contributes to the safety of everyone travelling or walking nearby.
He urged motorists to remain particularly cautious while approaching areas where pedestrians, children, cyclists and senior citizens are likely to be present. Drivers should avoid excessive speed and be prepared to stop whenever road conditions require it.
The police also reiterated that driving after consuming intoxicating substances will not be tolerated. Impaired driving can reduce a driver’s ability to judge speed, distance and road conditions and can place multiple lives at risk. Citizens were therefore urged to make responsible choices and never drive after consuming intoxicating substances.
Similarly, the use of mobile phones while driving was identified as a major distraction. Drivers were advised to keep their attention focused on the road and avoid handling mobile devices while the vehicle is in motion.
Risky overtaking was also highlighted as a dangerous driving practice. Drivers should overtake only when it is safe and permitted, while avoiding sudden manoeuvres that could endanger vehicles approaching from the opposite direction or travelling nearby.
The police spokesperson said strict legal action would be taken against drivers found violating traffic rules. The enforcement approach is intended to discourage dangerous driving and reinforce compliance with road safety regulations.
At the same time, the Superintendent of Police urged citizens to view traffic rules not merely as legal restrictions but as measures designed to protect human life. He said responsible road behaviour begins with individual discipline and becomes more effective when people encourage others to follow the same standards.
Goyal expressed the hope that collective commitment by citizens could help Yamunanagar move towards the goal of becoming a safer and accident-free district. He said every person can contribute to this objective by following traffic regulations, driving responsibly and respecting other road users.
The police appealed to all motorists to make safety their first priority every time they take to the road. Wearing helmets and seat belts, maintaining vehicles, avoiding distractions, refusing to drive under the influence and exercising caution around vulnerable road users were highlighted as essential elements of responsible road behaviour.
The message from the Yamunanagar Police is therefore centred on prevention, responsibility and collective action. While the police will continue enforcement against traffic violations, citizens also have an equally important role in ensuring safer roads.
The Superintendent of Police reiterated that a safe traffic system is a collective civic responsibility and not the responsibility of the police or administration alone. If citizens follow rules themselves and motivate others to do the same, the district can make significant progress towards reducing road accidents and saving lives.
POD/DESK
