On measures being taken to improve the standards of safety on state roads, Hooda said the government would set up five driver-training schools, including three involving an expenditure of Rs 40 crore. Besides, modern equipment would be made available to the traffic police, especially in the NCR region where traffic is heavy.

Stressing the need for improving traffic surveillance, Hooda said traffic police personnel would be separately recruited in order to give them specialised training in traffic management.

He pointed out that over 3,500 road accident deaths were reported in Haryana every year. He said, “People suffering from diseases can be provided treatment but accident victims get no opportunity for treatment. Therefore, it is a major concern for the government as well as citizens.” According to Hooda, accidents could be prevented by changing the mindset of the people. “If everyone followed traffic rules and did not allow young children to drive, many such tragedies could be avoided,” he remarked.

Financial Commissioner of the Transport Department, G Prasanna Kumar, blamed the lack of resources at the disposal of the department for the increasing toll on the roads. He said that despite over one lakh deaths in the country annually, only Rs 187 crore was provided for road safety in the 10th Five Year Plan. He compared this with the Rs 680 crore spent on control of TB, which caused 37,000 deaths a year.