Voice of hope amidst traffic violations

Activists spread messages of road safety at Adyar signal

July 26, 2014 08:04 pm | Updated 09:07 pm IST - Chennai:

Braving rain, Thozhan volunteers are out there at the Adyar signal to encourage motorists to follow traffic rules. Photo: G. Ramesh

Braving rain, Thozhan volunteers are out there at the Adyar signal to encourage motorists to follow traffic rules. Photo: G. Ramesh

During a brief spell of rain on Sunday last, a man was riding a scooter on Adyar bridge, his left ear glued to his mobile phone. Fortunately for him, the road was almost empty. Then, near Fortis Malar Hospital, I saw a youngster riding a bicycle, his hands off the handle bar. Seething with anger at such foolhardy, irresponsible and reckless behaviour on the road, I reached the Adyar signal, where a surprise awaited me. At the signal, young men and women belonging to a voluntary group called Thozhan (friend) were holding banners and placards campaigning for road safety.

One ‘thozhan’ on the mike was addressing those waiting at the signal: “Wear helmets and don’t just keep them in front of you, on the fuel tanks. While leaving your home, check if you have taken the helmet. Then, he had this to tell those in cars: “Wear seat belts.”

Addressing all motorists, he said, “Don’t cross the white line because others behind you will cross it and when questioned, they will point fingers at you.” He kept on repeating those instructions.

As I left, I could not help thinking that some men like the scooter rider will never change and some men like the Thozhan activist will never lose heart.

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