“Do not transport passengers in goods vehicles” — with this message, the traffic police wings of Madurai City and Rural District organised an awareness-cum-campaign meeting in which insurance authorities highlighted the consequences of road accidents. A large number of motorists driving heavy vehicles and commercial vehicles participated.
The speakers stressed the need for self-discipline, patience and focussed attention while driving vehicles. Additional Deputy Superintendent of Police (Crime) A. Myilvaganan said that committing mistake was a human nature. The police, for their part, would keep educating the road users. Every year, 600 persons died in road accidents in Madurai district alone.
“We should think about the fate of the dependents of the victims whose future will be doomed when they lose the breadwinner of their family. Further, we should realise the loss to the insurance companies which have to pay compensation to the bereaved members. It is a colossal waste to the nation. Thus, every motorist should obey traffic rules and the police alone cannot bring the desired results,” he said.
He also wanted the vehicle owners to be vigilant and ensure that drivers did not transport passengers in goods vehicles which was common in rural areas. “People go to temple festivals, weddings et al, but when the vehicle is involved in accidents and people die, it is considered a bad omen.”
Regional Transport Officer (Madurai North) Ravichandran wanted drivers plying on long distance routes to take rest between 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. Drivers alone were considered equivalent to God. Such was the respect given to them by passengers. Hence, they should be more responsible than anybody else on road.
He urged the drivers to cultivate the habit of “give and take.” By giving way to another vehicle, the drivers would not lose anything. He also wanted all motorists to be patient and focussed while on road.
Officers from the United India Insurance and Life Insurance Corporation of India said that in the event of any fatal accident occurring to passengers travelling in a goods vehicle, there was no provision for any compensation. Even for the injured, the insurance companies could not offer any assistance. Hence, the responsibility lies totally on the vehicle owners.
Regional Transport Officer (Central) Thomas, Insurance officers Ravi, Ramachandran, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Yellapparaj, Traffic Inspectors Kumar and Thirumalaikumar, among others, participated.
Earlier, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) K. Maghudapathi welcomed the gathering. Traffic Inspector Prabhakar proposed a vote of thanks.
