On July 1, UP aims to keep its roads accident-free

MEERUT: In its bid to achieve the impossible, to see that no road accidents occur in 24 hours on July 1, which the Uttar Pradesh government is observing as 'No Accident Day', the state machinery is coming up with innovative ways.

One of these is holding eyesight check-up camps for drivers and handing out corrective glasses on the spot if they fail the test. In a circular to all district magistrates, state transport commissioner Ravinder Naik wrote, "The police officers and other authorities will be on a 24-hour duty in a manner that every person is deployed on black spots for eight hours each."

As per an earlier order, district authorities, traffic police and regional transport authorities have to ensure that not a single accident occurs in 24 hours beginning June 30.

"We have identified 18 black spots in the city and asked for Rs 27.5 lakh from the state government so that engineers can take corrective measures on these spots," Meerut district magistrate Pankaj Yadav told TOI.

Deputy transport commissioner Sanjay Mathur said, "It is a new concept.And it is being observed for the first time in the country .We have connected this initiative with road safety drives. On the day , cops and other officials will be present at every crossing and in accident-prone areas to make sure that no mishaps occur."

Mathur added the `No Accident Day' will be followed by a week-long enforcement drive where traffic offenders will be challaned. Meerut SP (traffic) PK Tiwari said, "Banners, posters and hoardings will be set up to make drivers aware about the initiative."