POTENTIAL DANGER: A three-wheeler carrying pointed iron rods can lead to accidents on busy roads. — Photo: M. Periasamy

COIMBATORE: People in the city still remember the accident that took place a few years ago. Iron sheets with sharp edges slid out from a lorry and hit a motorist on the neck causing serious injuries. Though the motorist kept a safe distance, the sheets loaded in the lorry beyond the permissible length caused the damage.

Now, it is the turn of Minidor three-wheel goods carrier vehicles. These vehicles carrying tin sheets, PVC pipes and iron rods pose a threat to four-wheelers, motorists and pedestrians. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicles carrying heavy loads are expected to carry a red flag at the rear during daytime and a red indicator lamp after dusk as a warning signal for the public. "Most of the vehicles exceed the permissible length allowed to carry such loads and they ply without any warning sign. Since such commercial vehicles have a tie-up with various companies for shuttle trips, they do not stick to any discipline or traffic rules," says C.M. Jeyaram, vice-president of Citizens Voice Club.

Though the consumer organisations in the city have represented the issue during the Traffic Advisory Committee meetings of the district administration and at meetings conducted at Regional Transport Office, no solution has been found. "Traffic authorities should take steps to penalise such commercial vehicles too, as they do in the case of drunken driving," Mr. Jeyaram adds.

Deputy Transport Commissioner K. Yogarajan says that though one or two cases have been booked for such offence, they have not received any complaints from the public.

"Carrying goods such as iron rods from steel rolling mills and other commercial items in a dangerous manner is punishable. But since the offence is not notified, we can only impose a fine. If any accident is reported because of such violation, further action can be taken," he adds.

To avoid accidents, cooperation from the public is vital. Commuters should avoid alighting from buses at signals and motorists, especially two-wheeler riders, should maintain a safe distance from such vehicles.

Mr. Yogarajan says self-discipline is the only solution.

"The drivers should be aware of the precautionary measures," he adds.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail