Letters to the Editor: Reckless driving

It has come to my notice that most riders in Guwahati ride their two-wheelers without the rear-view mirrors. Reckless driving and wrong side overtaking add to the woes of other commuters in the city.

As per sections 5 and 7 of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, all vehicles should have two rear-view mirrors. This is essential to maintain traffic discipline and reduce fatal road accidents. Rear-view mirrors are crucial as they help in identifying what is coming from behind. But despite this regulation, many riders remove the rear-view mirrors and ride their motor vehicles. This often disrupts traffic discipline and is the root cause of many road accidents. There is fine of Rs 200 on rear-view mirror violation. Despite this, it has been observed that the city traffic police do not take action against violators. Just as it mandatory to wear a helmet, so should be rear-view mirrors. To add to the woes, reckless and speedy two-wheeler riding is also on the rise in the city. Young, underage riders particularly take the thrill of speed and do stunts on the roads, often leading to accidents and injuries. It has been also observed that riders ride on the footpath, causing problem to pedestrians, especially school children.

I appreciate the efforts made by the city traffic police in maintaining traffic discipline and also making people adhere to the mandate of wearing a helmet. So, it is my earnest appeal to the traffic department to also penalize those riding without rear-view mirrors. Underage riders and those riding without a license should also be penalized. I hope the authorities take note of this and act upon it at the earliest.

Prantar Niyogi,

Cotton University

Happiness amidst sorrow

Our lives are filled with both happiness and sorrow. Sometimes our lives are filled with unexpected happiness and sometimes we have to pass time by carrying the burden of sorrow. Happy times can be filled with our laughter and joy. But when sorrow comes into our lives, many of us are devastated and take carry a mournful face. So, my question to those who spend time with a mournful face in sad times, is: Who doesn't have any sorrow in their lives? Will spending time with a mournful face eliminate sorrow? In fact, everyone will have sorrow in this life. The real art of life is to keep smiling during times of grief. You may not know it, but your smile can make ten others smile too. Your smile can make ten others happy. So let's all try to meet sorrow with laughter. We will find happiness in the midst of sorrow.

Sanjib Sagar Das,

Bhawanipur, Bajali.