Driving on Gulmarg roads not without risk; police share important safety tips [read now]

Gulmarg's beautiful landscapes in the current weather cannot be described in mere words. The snow-capped mountains in the backdrop, roads buried under several feet of snow and chilling sub-zero temperature captures raw beauty of the nature, but there's ample risk in case of negligence. The roads to Gulmarg are also covered in a blanket of snow, making it dangerous to drive down. As a result, accidents commonly occur during peak winter, and this year is no different.

There have been some accidents already in the Gulmarg Tangmarg Road as vehicles have skid off the roads, and in some cases down a steep hill. J&K National Conference Omar Abdullah shared a video, which shows a 4x4 car skid off on a snowy Gulmarg road and down a hill. The passengers can also be seen jumping off the car in the nick of time, escaping a dangerous accident.

Watch the video below:

Police share important message for commuters

The Tangmarg Police Sub-Division shared several photos of vehicle accidents on the snowy Gulmarg Tangmarg Road. The photos share as a warning for people driving down these risky roads.

The police advised people to exercise extra caution while driving on the snowy roads of Gulmarg Tangmarg and assured that assistance will be provided on call or message.

SSP Baramulla, Rayees Bhat, IPS, also shared a helpful guide on road safety amid snow-laden roads enroute Gulmarg. Read below:

1. Inspect your vehicle & observe the driving conditions.
2. Get tyres of your vehicle fitted with antiskid chains. Non chain vehicles will not be allowed.
3. Never drink & drive.
4. Always wear seat belt.
5. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
6. Always drive at a slow and steady speed.
7. Stick to your lane.
8. Do NOT overtake.
9. Always avoid distractions.
10. Avoid driving if tired or unwell.
11. Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
12. Don't power up hills.
13. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
14. Avoid driving in snowstorms at all costs.
15. Do not panic if your vehicle starts to skid, try to control the skid while you brake slowly and bring your vehicle to a stop.
16. Be Visible.
17. Be in touch with your friend/ relative during travelling.
18. Keep some food and extra clothing with you.
19. Take down the emergency contact numbers and keep saved in your phone.
20. Cut of timings for vehicular movement on Gulmarg-Tangmarg road will be from 0830 hrs upto 1900 hrs.

Important contact numbers:

PCR Baramulla: +91 959 676 7768
SDPO Tangmarg: +91 959 676 7705
SHO PS Tangmarg: +91 959 676 7713
SHO PS Gulmarg: +91 959 676 7715