Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, speaking at the Road Safety Award Ceremony organized at the Police Headquarters, emphasized the collective responsibility required for road safety. He lauded the initiatives of the police department to honor citizens contributing to road safety, stating that such recognition would inspire others to create awareness.
Governor Shukla highlighted the challenges Himachal Pradesh faces regarding road safety due to its hilly terrain. He reiterated the resolve to overcome these challenges through proactive measures, education, and innovative strategies, aiming to foster a culture of safety on the roads. Despite continuous increases in vehicle numbers, the state has observed a significant reduction in road traffic accidents, deaths, and injuries in 2023 compared to 2022.
In 2023, there were 2253 accidents, 889 deaths, and 3304 injuries, whereas in 2022, the numbers stood at 2597 accidents, 1032 deaths, and 4063 injuries, marking a 13 percent reduction in accidents, 14 percent reduction in deaths, and 18 percent reduction in injuries. Governor Shukla commended the recipients of the Road Safety Awards for their commitment to ensuring citizen safety.
The Governor honored police personnel, officials of the Public Works and Transport Department, National Highway Authority of India, and members of the media for their significant contributions to road safety. Additionally, a song on road safety, prepared by the Police Department, was released during the ceremony.
Sanjay Kundu, Director General of Police, welcomed the Governor and highlighted the special campaign launched to reduce road accidents in the state. He emphasized the importance of identifying black spots and the adoption of modern facilities and tools by the police department to raise awareness about road safety. Gurdev Chand Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of Police, presented a detailed report on road accidents in Himachal Pradesh.
