People travelling in open mini-vans on the national highways at breakneck speed, holding multi-coloured party flags, braving the hot sun, is a common sight these days.
Boisterously they tease motorists and others passers-by. Those who dare question their objectionable behaviour would incur their wrath.
They are so enthusiastic that even the Toll Gates, present intermittently on the highways, are considered a nuisance by them.
Understanding their nature the authorities have directed the toll gate managers to allow free passage to the vehicles carrying party men and flags.
AdvantagesSuch a measure has two advantages: it would avert traffic hold-up on the arterial roads and ward off unnecessary trouble. Similarly the regional transport authorities and police personnel too have become lax in implementing the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and the traffic rules, because they do not want to draw the adverse notice of their higher ups.
As electioneering is getting into full stream, a constant stream of vehicles carrying party supporters, packed like sardines, move at great speed on the national highways.
The sources at the Regional Transport Office told The Hindu that “it is unlawful to carry passengers in goods carriages (roofless mini-vans and trucks). In a truck only three persons — driver, cleaner and owner of the goods being transported — are allowed to travel in the cabin. Any violation in this regard would attract a fine of Rs 500.”
The sources said that maybe with special permission from the Regional Transport Authority, in other words, District Collector, the party men could travel in a truck. But as is obvious none of the political parties or political leaders bothers to seek any such permission.
Safety ignoredThe party supporters too ignore the safety aspects as they least realise the risk they are exposed to.
In case of any mishap those involved in such unauthorised travel would not be eligible to claim any accident benefits.
Generally, the amount of compensation in a road accident is determined according to the age of the victim, earning capacity and number of dependents.
However, in an unauthorised travel in an open truck these aspects would be nullified and therefore they would not be entitled to any monetary compensation.
Therefore, the sources said that the political leaders ought to create awareness among their supporters in this regard.
“At the end of every political meeting it is customary for the leaders to warn their supporters to return home safely.
Similarly, if they insist upon them to travel by safe mode of transport it would not only conform to the law and but would also ensure the safety of the supporters,” the sources opined.
