Odisha distributes free tea to drivers to check road accidents during winter

The State Transport Authority (STA) is taking many initiatives to reduce the number of road accidents during late night and wee hours during the prevailing winter season in Odisha.

As part of the initiatives, free tea is distributed by the regional offices of the STA along various highways in the State from 3 AM to 6 AM every day. Local volunteers are helping STA employees distribute free tea near roadside dhabas and toll gates. 

As per reports, free tea is mainly distributed to the drivers of buses, trucks and taxis on long journeys. Officials and employees of RTO and local volunteers are also creating awareness among people about road safety and on how to prevent accidents.

The Transport Department has written letters to all the RTOs across the state to carry out the initiatives till December 31.

Read Also: Separate road accidents claim 6 lives in Odisha, leave several injured

As per reports, at least 16,287 people have lost their lives in road accidents in Odisha in the last three years.

Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena’s written response in the Assembly stated that road accident deaths were 5,081 in 2021; 5,467 in 2022 and 5,739 in 2023.

The annual increase in fatalities was recorded at 7.2% in 2021, 7.6% in 2022, and 4.8% in 2023.

In terms of injuries, 5,735 people were injured this year as against 5,719 last year.

According to experts, this alarming trend is increasing due to a combination of factors including inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations, poor road infrastructure and the rising number of vehicles on the roads.