The photo above is taken by me while I was traveling from
Shamshabad to Warangal in a
cab. This is for sure in Hyderabad
– RangaReddy; I do not know exact name of the locality. I was surprised to see the number of people
on the motorcycle passing in thick of traffic.
On a two-wheeler, only two can travel.
But we, in India ,
commonly see three and often four, if it is a family ride. To see parents and two children on a motor
cycle or scooter is commonplace. If
parents have more children and have to travel, may be they do try to go on a
single vehicle as we see here. The
dangers of it – everybody is aware.
According to WHO recent reports traffic accidents is the 2nd
most important cause of death in the age group of 15 – 44 years. 1.24 million
die every year and may increase to 1.9 million a year by 2020. Only seven percent of these are happening in
the countries where laws are strictly implemented.
Every one of us might know more than one person who was
injured or died in the accident. We also
come to know that failure to follow the rules by one or more parties has caused
accident and often it could be due to poor roads. If the person who dies or is crippled due to
injury in the accident is the sole breadwinner in the family, then the life of
all the members is shattered.
Death and grievous injuries can be avoided by following
simple rules.
Strictly follow traffic rules.
Wearing helmet is must on two-wheeler. It decreases death by 40% and head injuries
by 70%. Youngsters under 18years riding
on the high-speed two-wheelers should be punished and parents of such youth
should be warned or fined as appropriate.
Speed of 30KM/hr in residential and school areas. A pedestrian impacted by a car at that speed, though gets injured, survives.
No drunken driving.
Lorry or heavy vehicle drivers generally think they are better on
highways on drink. This is one of the
most important causes of accidents on highways.
The traffic police should take up breath analysis of drivers not only in
the city centre but more vigorously on the high ways.
Wearing seat belt in the front seat decreases death by 40% -
50%; restraining belts on passengers in rear seat also decreases injuries and
death by 25 – 75%. Child restraints will
save more than 70% kids’ lives in the accidents.
Public transport vehicles carrying the limited number of
passengers as declared by the law also helps in reducing accidents and deaths
and fatal injuries.
In India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana we
see auto-rickshaws which are supposed to carry 1+3 passengers move loaded with
3+9-10 passengers, causing heavy human loss in the road accidents. The auto-rickshaws are notorious for rash
driving and increasing the incidence of accidents.
Talking and texting on mobiles has become another important
cause of increase in accidents. These
distractions should be avoided while driving.
No walk the talk.
WHO also found that people from low socio-economic
conditions are more exposed to accidents and its fatalities. This could be due to lack of awareness of
driving principles and risk driving practiced by them.
The government has its role to play: in improving the infra
structure, roads and transport system.
It should take prompt and strict action on those who break traffic rules
irrespective of their position. It
should also improve health-care system to deal effectively with the victims of
traffic accidents.
The companies should take care to improvise their vehicles
for providing maximum safety to the customers. Customers also should look for
safety mechanisms provided in the vehicle during travel and accidents and
follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer for best/safe driving.
If every vehicle driver follows traffic rule and laws are
implemented strictly, traffic accidents and deaths and injuries due to it will
reduce by 70%.
Drive safely. Drive
to the destination that is aspired and not the ultimate in life.
WHO – World Health Organisation.
