The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Road fatalities on the rise

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 24, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Road fatalities on the rise

The skull with crossbones cautioning motorists to drive safely, statistics of victims killed in road accidents displayed at vantage points, fatal spots marked on roads to warn drivers of the potential danger or a sign board which reads `Speed thrills but kills,' accident-prevention messages are aplenty. So are accidents.

Expectedly, the messages are given short shrift as accident figures continue to rise. And the proliferating two-wheeler drivers who ride with scant regard for the safety of other road users abet the situation.

As per statistics, more than one-half of the 1,164 accidents reported up to March 31 involved two-wheelers. While poor road sense and scant regard for rules are said to be the main reasons in a majority of cases, commercials and television programmes that entice youth to perform `heroics on bike' are also being blamed by many.

"Today, it has become fashionable among youth to weave in and out of heavy traffic at high speeds," says G. Mahadevan, a bank employee. "They think if they perform such tricks, women will fall in love with them instantly. Little do they realise that in commercials and bike races, the stunts are performed either by experts or on prepared tracks."

However, even when caught, not all drivers are brought to book. In most cases, the offenders are let-off after a reprimand, which, in turn, tempts them to indulge in it again with impunity.

Unlike in criminal investigation, the police deal with ordinary citizens in traffic management. Hence, enforcing traffic rules with harshness is somehow not on the priority list, says a police official on condition of anonymity.

But, according to him, road discipline can be improved by at least 25 per cent if motorists are required to carry their original driving licences. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, a police officer has the right to seize the driving licence of a driver who violates the law. Carrying the licence also gives the driver a sense of responsibility, he says.

And since it is mostly youth in the age group of 18-25 years who get hooked to the thrill of speed and rash driving as they look upon owning a vehicle as one of the most triumphant moments in their lives, the police say greater emphasis should be given in learning the technicalities of driving. "Everybody who gets a driving licence feels they are qualified to drive on the road. But, to become a good driver, you need to know the technicalities," says Mahesh Aggarwal, deputy commissioner of traffic.

A `Ride Safe Programme' organised by the traffic police in collaboration with Hero Honda last year was a move in this regard. The three-day training programme taught drivers various aspects of safety driving, such as how to sit in the right posture to feel relaxed, driving on bumpy and narrow roads, negotiating curves, how to apply the brakes and the use of helmets.

"We will conduct more such programmes in colleges this academic year," says Mr. Aggarwal.

Tips for safe driving

Pre-ride inspection of the bike. (Ensuring that the vehicle is in good condition by checking the breaks, break lights, clutch setting and tyre pressure.)

Wearing bright-coloured clothes which help other vehicle users to identify the rider quickly.

Using helmets.

Holding the handle bar properly.

Preventing modification on the original model to increase its pick up as the company has designed the vehicle, taking into consideration the safety aspect.

Graphics by R. Venugopal

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