Srinagar, Oct. 9 -- Fida Firdous

The tragic accident on the Teetwal-Simari Road in Karnah, Kupwara, in which five people lost their lives and several others were injured, has once again brought the issue of road safety in the border and hilly areas of Kupwara into sharp focus. Such tragedies raise questions about driver behaviour, but drivers alone cannot be held responsible for every accident. Road conditions, vehicle fitness, enforcement, weather, terrain and emergency response are equally important factors.

Driving in hilly areas carries risks very different from those encountered on roads in the plains. Places such as Karnah, Teetwal, Keran and Machil have roads passing through steep mountains, sharp curves, narrow stretches and dee...