Towards better road safety, the need of the hour
It is a burning issue, but one that one does not really care about -- road safety. Every single day, at least twenty people are crushed to death in road accidents in cities like Chennai, and Bangalore. There are children who are left to the mercy of the speeding motorists, and cars that ply at great speeds, even on small roads.
Why are we so careless? Why are we so insensitive to such a very serious social issue?
Road safety can be easily achieved. Those who drive two wheeler vehicles, can for example, stop for a second or two to allow the heavy vehicles to pass. But this is rarely done. There is a great rush to overtake the cars going ahead, particularly by those riding motorcycles. Since motorcycles are now so common, and have effectively replaced the scooters, these vehicles are giant killers, thanks to irresponsible drivers of these vehicles who tend to ape their heroes on the silver screen, performing dare devil stunts, to impress their girl friends.
In reality, none should drive the motorcycle or could drive the motor cycle so fast at all. This is really dangerous, and should not be encouraged. Over speeding is punishable, this is rarely being done in India.
The heavy vehicles like trucks and those carrying drinking water in cities like Chennai, are very dangerous too.
Many a time, drivers of these vehicles are drunk. Most accidents happen between 3 AM and 5 AM, the time when one normally tends to sleep at the wheel. In fact a law that allows some thirty minutes rest to the drivers of trucks or even Government buses, at this time, is a must. This will help the drivers to become a bit fresh, after a small nap and then drive their vehicles more safely, than is otherwise possible.
As far as safety near schools and colleges are concerned, it is wise to have at least one speed breaker at such places, particularly, right in front of the educational institution concerned. When students alight from a bus, the conductor should first alight, ensure that each child safely alights from the bus and then allow the bus to start from there.
The Tamil Nadu Government has now enforced some restrictions on school vans, after a ghastly accident a couple of years ago, when a child was crushed under the wheels of the van in which she was travelling. The girl child was standing in front, near the driver, and the wooden plank that covered a big hole gave away. She fell down, and was crushed. Such atrocities should never be allowed to happen.
Similarly, there should be a ban on heavy vehicles entering school and college areas during peak hours. This has been enforced only in some cities. The Union Government should enact an appropriate law to ensure that this done throughout the country.
Stop the auto menace
In the semi-urban and rural areas, it is a very common sight to see a single auto carrying as many as twenty children, all packed like sardines, and at least forty school bags and water bottles hanging from all sides. The hapless children are allowed to undergo this torture, only because the auto travel is much cheaper than even the school bus. However, this is an invitation for disaster. Many accidents have already happened, and many children have died. Yet, this is a game that goes on, unchecked.
Of course, wherever the bus services are inadequate, the shared autos rule the roads, at least in Tamil Nadu and AP. These share autos carry as many as twenty passengers and ply at great speed, often overtaking every other vehicle on the road. This is once again, a great invitation for disaster.
In spite of many accidents, these shared autos are very much in the game, as they regularly bribe the Police and traffic authorities.
As far as night travel is concerned, some regulation is called for. For example, the Government buses should start with a minimum of twenty minutes gap, to reduce traffic jams, and ensure smoother traffic. One has to just see how many buses ply on the Chennai-Tiruchirapalli highway in the night hours, to understand the magnitude of this problem. Accidents happen when overtaking takes place.
Road safety is everybody's business. Roght from wearing of seat belts to helmets everything is a must. To neglect these things is aking for real time trouble. Some massive public campaign is called for.
The Government and the voluntary agencies should work in tandem, to ensure that something better happens to road safety, right now.
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