Improper parking. No indicators. Faulty brake lights. Risky overtaking. Ignoring zebra crossings. These are not small violations. They are the reasons families receive tragic phone calls. Driving is a responsibility. Let us start treating it like one.
Aarif Maqbool
The increasing number of road accidents in Kashmir should be a matter of serious concern for every citizen. Almost every day, newspapers and social media platforms carry reports of collisions, injuries, and fatalities on roads across the Valley. While road conditions, weather, and increasing traffic volumes may contribute to accidents, one of the primary reasons remains the lack of traffic sense and the widespread disregard for traffic rules.
One of the most common violations observed throughout Kashmir is improper parking. Vehicles are frequently parked on sharp bends, road shoulders, narrow lanes, and near intersections. Such parking obstructs visibility and creates dangerous blind spots for approaching drivers. In hilly areas and on winding roads, parking on curves can be particularly hazardous, reducing reaction time and increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Failure to use indicators properly is another widespread problem. Many drivers activate indicators only at the exact moment they begin turning their steering wheel. However, the purpose of an indicator is to inform other road users in advance. International road safety guidelines recommend signalling sufficiently before a turn so that surrounding vehicles have adequate time to react. On ordinary roads, indicators should generally be given 30 meters well before the turning point, while on highways and high-speed roads, the signal should be provided 50-100 meters earlier. Unfortunately, in Kashmir, it is common to see indicators being switched on simultaneously with the turn itself, defeating their intended purpose.
Lane discipline is another area where improvement is urgently needed. Vehicles frequently drift between lanes, overtake from inappropriate sides, or occupy the centre of the road unnecessarily. Such behaviour creates confusion and increases the chances of side-impact and head-on collisions. Disciplined lane usage not only improves safety but also enhances traffic flow and reduces congestion.
Equally concerning is the failure of many drivers to maintain their vehicles in roadworthy condition. Non-functional brake lights, damaged headlights, defective indicators, and unusable side mirrors are common sights. A vehicle with faulty safety equipment becomes a hazard not only for its occupants but also for everyone sharing the road. Side mirrors provide essential visibility, while brake lights communicate critical information to following vehicles. Neglecting these basic safety features reflects a dangerous lack of responsibility.
Unsafe overtaking remains one of the leading causes of serious accidents. Drivers often attempt overtaking on curves, near intersections, or without adequate visibility of oncoming traffic. Such risky manoeuvres leave little room for error and can result in catastrophic head-on crashes. The few seconds gained by reckless overtaking are never worth the potential loss of life.
Traffic signals, zebra crossings, and pedestrian rights are also frequently ignored. Many motorists fail to stop at red lights or yield to pedestrians. Road safety is not solely about protecting drivers; it is equally about safeguarding pedestrians, cyclists, schoolchildren, and elderly citizens who are often the most vulnerable road users.
The process of obtaining a learner’s licence includes watching educational videos and passing a written examination on traffic regulations. However, many applicants approach these requirements merely as formalities. Greater emphasis must be placed on understanding the purpose behind traffic laws rather than simply memorising answers to pass an examination. Road safety education should begin in schools and continue through public awareness campaigns, community programmes, and stricter enforcement measures.
According to global road safety studies, human error contributes to the overwhelming majority of road accidents. Excessive speed, distracted driving, improper overtaking, failure to signal, and violation of traffic rules consistently rank among the leading causes of crashes worldwide. These findings reinforce a simple truth: most accidents are preventable.
Driving is not merely a skill; it is a responsibility. Unfortunately, many motorists in Kashmir traffic treat regulations as optional rather than mandatory. As a result, even those drivers who possess good driving skills and strictly follow traffic rules often feel unsafe on the roads. A responsible driver may do everything correctly, yet become a victim of another person’s negligence.
The consequences of road accidents extend far beyond vehicle damage. Victims often suffer physical injuries, loss of income, expensive medical treatment, psychological trauma, and emotional distress. Families may face long-term financial hardship due to the injury or death of a breadwinner. A few seconds of careless driving can alter lives forever.
Consider the case of a UPSC aspirant who was travelling on a motorcycle to appear for a highly competitive examination on 24 May 2026. As he approached a road crossing, an auto-rickshaw suddenly crossed the road without giving any indicator or warning signal. The abrupt and negligent manoeuvre resulted in a collision. The aspirant suffered injuries, missed the examination he had prepared for over a year, endured severe mental trauma, and the doctor has done casting and advised bed rest for two months. The economic cost of treatment, the physical pain, and the psychological burden of losing a once-a-year opportunity were consequences of another person’s negligence. This example illustrates how a momentary disregard for traffic rules can have life-changing effects on an innocent individual. Every road user must remember that their actions can directly influence another person’s future, career, health, and well-being.
The responsibility for safer roads lies with both authorities and the public. Traffic enforcement agencies must ensure strict implementation of regulations, conduct regular awareness drives, and take action against habitual violators. At the same time, drivers must recognise that every traffic rule has been created for a reason. Indicators, mirrors, brake lights, lane markings, speed limits, and traffic signals are not inconveniences; they are lifesaving tools.
Kashmir is known for its natural beauty and hospitality. Its roads should reflect the same sense of responsibility and respect. A culture of disciplined driving can significantly reduce accidents, save lives, and prevent countless families from experiencing unnecessary suffering.
Ultimately, road safety begins with individual behaviour. The safest driver is not the one who drives the fastest or takes the greatest risks, but the one who respects the rules and values human life. If every road user commits to following traffic regulations sincerely, Kashmir’s roads can become safer, more orderly, and more secure for all.
The writer is an Academic Counsellor at IGNOU
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