Vinod C Dixit
(dixitpatrakar@yahoo.in)
Road safety is a concern for all irrespective of gender. It is a matter of fact that a lack of etiquette on the road is seen as going to be much dangerous for the lives of citizens. Road safety is a priority and concern to all of us and there is a need to regularly reinforce this message. The true costs of accidents are rarely assessed, and can only be of full value if assessed to formulate future projections of loss probability and effective safety management. It seems as if no one is interested in striking at the root of the traffic problems: poor driver education. Road users should avoid driving recklessly. The other example of neglect while driving or riding are using a hand phone while driving, driving when you are sleepy, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and playing loud music while driving. If the authorities are interested in proper traffic management, the RTOs need to be modernized and upgraded.
It is a matter of fact that a lack of etiquette on the road is seen as going to be much dangerous for the lives of citizens. No one follows the traffic rules and even not the traffic police can handle it. Bikers are often a headache and we need to focus more on such offenders. Other examples of neglect while driving or riding are using a hand phone while driving, driving when you are sleepy, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and playing loud music while driving. Roads are a mess today not because of the bad quality of work, but bad planning. Lane sizes, pedestrian crossings, traffic signals and left-turns are poorly designed. All of these reckless acts can be overcome by taking some steps such as using Bluetooth phone devices when receiving or making a call while driving. If the authorities are interested in proper traffic management, the RTOs need to be modernized and upgraded. Duty timings of traffic cops should also be extended to man this busy junction to check erring motorists. Many people drive at 6-7 in the evening with their high beams on, which can blind the driver on the opposite side.
There's no concept of lane driving. All they understand is that the road is their race track and they need to be the first one even if that means overtaking a guy who just gave the indicator to take a turn. At traffic signals, people taking a right turn tend to stop in the middle of the lane, thus blocking the traffic. The statistics of road accident data reveal that around 1,374 accidents and 400 deaths take place every day on Indian roads, resulting in 57 accidents and the loss of 17 lives on average every hour. SC has also expressed its concern at the high number of road accident fatalities – 1.5 lakh – every year in India.
Stringent laws against drunk and rash driving, proper and effective enforcement of the laws and the tough and sincere judiciary in dealing with the accidents alone could ultimately have a positive effect in dealing with the ever-growing accidents. Cops tend to overlook the bikers who ride without a helmet and indulge in rash driving, but they find someone, who may be in a hurry to reach the hospital, for overspeeding. If people drive more sensibly, our roads will be safer for all. Let's stop giving excuses, and instead look for solutions based on suggestions received from experts and concerned citizens. People must be taught road etiquette, which could reduce 50% of disarray on streets.