Jajpur, December 26: A meeting of the District Road Safety Committee was held at the Collectorate Conference Hall here on Friday under the aegis of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA). The meeting was chaired by Ambar Kumar Kar, District Collector, who reviewed various aspects of road safety and issued a series of directions to curb road accidents in the district. The Collector emphasized strict enforcement against major causes of road accidents, including over speeding, drunken driving, riding without helmets, and using mobile phones while driving. He instructed the Regional Transport Officers to intensify checking drives and take firm action against traffic rule violators.
Special focus was laid on preventing underage and unlicensed driving by school students. In this regard, the Collector directed education officials to strengthen awareness programmes at the school level. Highlighting the need for coordinated action, the Collector stressed close collaboration between the police and transport departments and ordered cancellation of driving licences in serious cases of violations. He also underscored the importance of intensified joint enforcement and patrolling on national highways passing through the district. The meeting reviewed steps taken to prevent road accidents, including the closure of unauthorized median crossings on national highways and installation of warning signage.
Officials informed that enforcement has been tightened by the RTOs and violators are being penalized as per law. Between September and November this year, driving licences of 186 violators in Jajpur and 107 in Chandikhole were cancelled for traffic rule violations. To strengthen action against drunken driving, the Collector announced that additional breath analyzers would be provided. In view of the upcoming New Year and Zero Night celebrations, he directed officials to further intensify drink-and-drive checks across the district. The meeting was attended by Yudhisthir Nayak, Additional District Magistrate; Regional Transport Officers of Jajpur and Chandikhole; the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer; officials from National Highways Authority of India; excise officials; the District Information and Public Relations Officer; and the Additional District Education Officer.
Discussions were also held on the proposed observance of Road Safety Month–2026 in January. Planned activities include deployment of awareness vehicles, installation of banners and hoardings, road safety–themed quizzes, debates, workshops, poster design competitions, and a public walkathon to promote awareness. Eye check-up and health screening camps for drivers will also be organized. Additionally, individuals recognized as “Good Samaritans” for exemplary contributions to road safety will be felicitated at various locations across the district.
