Jamshedpur: The West Singhbhum district administration has launched a road-safety campaign to curb speeding and reduce accidents on stretches.The campaign, being implemented by the road construction division in Chaibasa, is focusing on accident-prone stretches where engineering interventions are being used alongside awareness drives. Speed breakers, warning and directional signboards, road markings, cat’s eyes, reflectors and speed-warning signs are being installed or upgraded. Crash barriers and safety railings are also being strengthened at vulnerable locations.The urgency is underlined by the district’s accident figures. As many as 84 road accidents were reported till April 28 this year, while 151 hit-and-run cases were registered between April 2022 and March 2026.The district also reviewed accident-prone locations at a road safety committee meeting chaired by deputy commissioner Manish Kumar in May. Officials were asked to physically inspect black spots, analyse the causes of crashes and complete proposed safety works quickly.“We have to identify the exact locations and causes of accidents and ensure effective preventive measures,” Kumar said at the meeting, stressing the need for wider road-safety awareness in villages, schools and colleges.The campaign is also targeting behaviour behind the wheel. Motorists are being urged to follow speed limits, obey warning signs, wear helmets and seat belts, avoid drunk driving and refrain from using mobile phones while driving.The administration has additionally directed officials to conduct regular checks against drunk driving and violations involving helmets and seat belts. Measures such as reflective tape on roadside trees are also being promoted to improve night-time visibility.Officials said that infrastructure alone cannot eliminate crashes. The larger challenge is getting motorists to treat road signs, speed limits and safety gear not as restrictions, but as safeguards.“After all, on a road where every second can matter, two minutes can wait. A life cannot,” said Chaibasa resident and teacher Minati Sahu. Sahu added, “Administration must act tough on stunt bike riders too as they pose safety threats on roads.”
