Mizoram Transport Minister Vanlalhlana has stressed that reducing road accidents is a shared responsibility, urging citizens to follow safety rules as the state marks the 44th Road Safety Week. Speaking at the campaign’s launch organised by the Zoram Drivers’ Union, he cautioned that negligent driving remains a growing danger on Mizoram’s roads.
Vanlalhlana said enforcement measures alone cannot ensure safety if road users continue to disregard basic traffic norms. He appealed to the public to adopt safer habits, noting that road safety depends as much on responsible behaviour as it does on government initiatives.
The week-long campaign, which runs until 1 December, aims to strengthen public awareness, promote accountability and highlight the need for regular vehicle maintenance to prevent accidents. Officials said the initiative is particularly important this year, given the rise in road mishaps across the state.
Police data reveal mounting concerns, with more than 70 people losing their lives in road incidents between January and September. Mizoram has recorded 124 accidents and 112 fatalities so far in 2024, figures that have shaken its reputation for disciplined and cautious driving.
Authorities and community groups say they hope the campaign will help curb unsafe practices and encourage long-term behavioural change, ultimately reducing the state’s accident toll.
