Bhubaneswar, Nov. 19 -- With the onset of picnic season, Odisha's Transport Department issued strict directives on Wednesday to ensure road safety. The authorities have warned motorists to validate all necessary documents for their vehicle(s), including driving license, insurance, and fitness certificate, before venturing out for picnicking.

Failure to comply could lead to vehicles being detained or a heavy penalty imposed.

The State government instructed police stations across Odisha to conduct stringent checks on roads for a period of nearly four months, from November to February, traditionally the period with the highest number of road accidents.

Vehicles heading to popular picnic and tourist destinations will be subjected to intens...