Victims can find help by searching for "angel" hospitals using the Maples mobile app.

Chandigarh: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has established a first-of-its-kind dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) in the country to enhance safety and save precious lives lost in road accidents on state and national highways. A total of 1,597 specially trained personnel have been newly recruited to serve as the backbone of this force, equipped with 144 vehicles fitted with state-of-the-art machinery.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that, thanks to the Sadak Surakhiya Force, the death rate from road accidents has decreased by 25.53% during the current year, 2024, since its inception in February. In the last six months, 591 precious lives have been lost compared to 1,085 during the same period in 2023. In August 2024 alone, the Sadak Surakhiya Force responded swiftly to a total of 1,754 incidents, providing first aid to 919 injured persons and admitting 1,078 accident victims to hospitals in a timely manner.

Furthermore, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is enhancing road safety and emergency care services in the state. The SSF and the Traffic Wing of the Punjab Police, in partnership with #MapMyIndia, have integrated hospitals listed under the Ferishte scheme into the Maples mobile app. Now, anyone who helps a road accident victim reach a hospital will receive an official certificate and a cash reward of Rs 2,000. A total of 384 hospitals across Punjab have been successfully registered under the Ferishte Scheme.

Another new initiative by the Sadak Surakhiya Force is the use of reflective collars for stray animals to prevent accidents, which helps drivers travel safely on roads after dark. In addition to providing assistance during road accidents, the SSF also helps missing persons, addresses fire or theft incidents on the roads, assists distressed individuals, facilitates the return of lost property to its owners, and conducts awareness camps in various locations, including schools.

If anyone is facing a road emergency, they can dial 112 for immediate help. The Sadak Surakhiya Force is committed to providing 24/7 immediate support to ensure smooth and safe journeys. Its mission is to enhance road safety by enforcing traffic rules, reducing accidents, and ensuring safe roads for all. This force has been deployed along 4,200 km of the state's National Highways. In addition to patrolling its assigned areas, the force also works to prevent violations of traffic rules.