LUCKNOW, March 29 -- Facing a sharp uptick in road accidents across certain districts, Lucknow's divisional commissioner has ordered a sweeping safety crackdown. This includes scientific analysis of accident hot spots, mandatory investigation deadlines, surprise highway audits, stricter school vehicle inspections, aggressive hit-and-run case resolution, and zero tolerance for illegal parking and encroachments. At a meeting of the Divisional Road Safety Committee chaired by divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant on Saturday, officials reviewed comparative accident data for 2025 and 2026, which revealed increased incidents in certain districts while others reported declines. Pant demanded that the causes of accidents be subjected to scientific analysis to ensure permanent solutions. "Regular safety audits must be conducted on all expressways and major routes so that potential risks can be identified and mitigated in a timely manner." Under the Uttar Pradesh Road Accident Investigation Scheme 2023, investigations of every case must adhere to procedure, with mandatory completion by March 31, 2026. Pant clarified that investigations into serious accidents must follow time-bound, transparent processes, enabling identification of causes while preventing recurrence. Beginning April 1, a comprehensive campaign will inspect all school vehicles operating within the district. School Transport Safety Committees, constituted in every school. "Necessary action will be initiated against any vehicle found not to meet requisite fitness standards," Pant stated. Notices will be issued with immediate effect for non-compliant vehicles. Taking serious cognisance of illegal parking and encroachments on highways and major roads, the commissioner issued directives for intensive campaigns against such violations. Departments were instructed to identify these locations, remove encroachments immediately, thereby minimising accident likelihood. Hardoi district emerged with the highest pending hit-and-run cases within the division, totalling 76 cases awaiting resolution. Expressing displeasure, Pant instructed the regional transport officer to accord highest priority to these pending cases, ensuring expeditious, high-quality resolution. "Relief and assistance must be provided to victims in a time-bound manner, strictly adhering to prescribed procedures," the commissioner directed. Pant stressed that departments must work in close coordination to achieve road safety objectives effectively. Campaigns against overloaded vehicles will continue with strict, continuous action to reduce road damage and accidents. Emphasising the provision of prompt and high-quality medical treatment to the injured, he directed that the benefits of the cashless treatment scheme be ensured for every eligible individual. Special campaigns to enhance public awareness regarding road safety, strengthen compliance with traffic regulations, and reinforce necessary infrastructure and arrangements have also been directed. Senior officials from departments including the additional district magistrate (east), traffic police, ACP (traffic), transport, police, Public Works Department (PWD), NHAI, health, and municipal corporation participated in the meeting....