Srinagar, May 17 : Commuters and local residents have raised serious concerns over road safety on the Parimpora to Shalteng stretch of the Baramulla highway, citing dangerous driving conditions caused by poor visibility, heavy traffic movement, and improper use of high-beam headlights, particularly during evening hours.

The stretch, which witnesses continuous movement of private vehicles, passenger transport, and heavy trucks, has reportedly become accident-prone due to reduced visibility after sunset. Motorists say the frequent use of high-beam lights by drivers creates a glaring effect, making it difficult for oncoming traffic to judge distance and movement accurately.
Residents and daily commuters said that the situation becomes especially hazardous during peak evening hours when traffic density increases and visibility naturally declines. They noted that sudden glare from high beams often leads to confusion, delayed reaction time, and near-miss situations on the busy corridor.
Local drivers have appealed to traffic authorities to introduce stricter enforcement of road safety rules, including regulation of high-beam usage, improved signage, and increased patrolling during evening hours. They also called for awareness campaigns to educate motorists about safe driving practices in low-visibility conditions.
Commuters further suggested installation of reflective markers and better lighting at critical points along the route to reduce the risk of accidents. They stressed that even minor lapses in judgment on this stretch can result in serious or fatal incidents due to heavy traffic flow.
Transport experts note that misuse of high-beam headlights is a common issue on highways and urban bypasses, often leading to temporary blindness for oncoming drivers and increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Residents have urged authorities to take immediate corrective measures to ensure safer travel conditions on the Parimpora–Shalteng route, especially during evening and night hours when the risk of accidents is significantly higher.