Kerala   

Good roads equally important

Enforce rules

The authorities seem to forget the importance of scrupulous enforcement of traffic rules. This would, to a great extent, help prevent road accidents. Indians give scant respect for traffic rules. Overtaking through the wrong side, over speeding, stopping in the middle of the traffic, non-adherence to lane discipline, not giving traffic signals promptly, etc are very common. Another area of concern is the absence of proper maintenance of roads. Instead of the farcical observance of the so-called road safety week, the authorities should give urgent attention to strict enforcement of traffic rules and proper maintenance of roads throughout the year. Jimmy C. Mattom

Kurianad

Helmets being made compulsory is a step in the right direction. The Government is but implementing the rule half-heartedly. I think helmets, safety belts and air-bags are only secondary solutions. The primary thrust, in our State, should be on ensuring a network of good, motorable roads. The condition of roads gets worse as the monsoon advances. The increasing number of potholes on roads is the major factor that causes accidents. Also the authorities are least bothered about the standard of helmets sold. The implementation should be more serious. Sreejith Murali

Kollam

Making helmets and seat belts compulsory is a welcome step. Safety on the roads can be attained only if certain things are ensured. Awareness should be created among all categories of drivers. The traffic police and the Road Transport Office should take the initiative. The thrust should be on responsible driving. Stringent punitive measures should be taken against erring drivers. Over speeding should be stopped. Speed governors should be made mandatory. We need to change the pathetic conditions of our roads. All these are as important as implementing the helmet, seat belt rule.

Benny K.C.

Thodupuzha

The introduction of helmet and seat belt rule in the State is a welcome move. There are but more things to be done to reduce the accident rate. The very first priority must be given to the development of our roads. The condition of these are extremely pathetic. The development of roads is not in proportion to the hike in the number of vehicles. Coordination between various departments will prevent the roads from being dug up repeatedly. The Government should have the right to acquire land and buildings for road widening. Building of flyovers and conversion of roads into different tracks will enable smooth driving. Each of us should learn to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations which will definitely bring down the chaos on the roads. Transforming ourselves will automatically develop a culture of road safety.

Annu Mathew

Kottayam

New rules have little or no effect on rash and negligent drivers. This is due to the ignorance of the consequences of their action. Also, they lack road sense/driving sense. Such people should be reformed. There should be strict enforcement of rules and deterrent punishment. Awareness about road safety should be part of the school curriculum.

P.K. Prathapachandran

Mamangalam

It is shameful to see the helmet rule being made mandatory again by the Government. I suggest the implementation of a few other things to ensure road safety. Drivers should have a lane sense. Reckless drivers should be reprimanded. Bus stops should be relocated from busy junctions. There should be a cell to monitor the damage caused to roads. Public participation should be enlisted in reporting damage of roads.

Binoy Chelur

Kochi

As road accidents are on the rise, the move to implement the helmet and seat belt rule should be seen as appositive step. But, the Government should also take immediate steps to repair all dilapidated roads. The authorities should take punitive action against officers responsible for poor quality of roads. Vineetha Joy

Thrissur

Most of the motor vehicle drivers believe that they own the road. A good percentage of them do not abide by the rules. Accidents do not happen. They are, to a degree, caused. The Government should definitely act. Helmet for two-wheelers and seat belts for four-wheelers are a welcome beginning. More stringent measures should follow. Only then can driving be pleasurable and safe.

Jacob Mamooden

Thalavaday

The use of helmet has now been made compulsory for two-wheeler riders. The reason given for such compulsion is the safety of the rider. But the pillion rider is exempted from using the helmet. So does it mean that the pillion riders’ life does not matter? The truth seems to be that the Government wants to put up a show of abiding by the High Court’s directive regarding the use of helmet.

The writer has been using two-wheelers without wearing a helmet since 1976. Fortunately, he has not met with any accident so far. It is a matter of luck that two-wheeler riders escape unhurt in the road conditions and traffic prevailing in our State. In fact if the roads are maintained in a better manner and the violators of traffic rules severely punished, two-wheeler riders will have a better record of safety in our State.

In many cases, the helmet can cause an accident. A person not used to a helmet can have trouble hearing the horn. The decision whether to use a helmet or not should be left to the individual as it is he/she who can gauge the comfort level with the device. Desi Matthai

E-mail

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

Stories in this Section

Central health team in Kerala
Good roads equally important
Next issue
Arabikatha takes the cake
No room for bourgeois tendencies: VS
Move to form internal vigilance wing for police
STF officials visit plantation to assess land
Taking you through a flight of wit and humour Film Review
Traders hail Corporation move

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu