While driver errors such as speeding and drunk driving are among the causes of automobile accidents and need to be punished stringently, dangerous road conditions are also a significant contributor. The recent episode of a hoarding falling on a woman driver is in a different league altogether. Who is to be punished for this ghastly accident? Various government agencies are responsible for maintaining roads and ensuring they are safe for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. With the new rules in force, the authorities cannot absolve themselves of liability for accidents.
Blaming only citizens and levying fines is only part of the solution. We read repeatedly about ‘road safety weeks’ but never hear of a ‘road improvement week’ (Editorial, “Futile fines,” Sept. 13).
H.N. Ramakrishna,
Bengaluru
The government needs to make full use of technology on roads to record violations, reducing the burden on traffic police. Further, parking of vehicles on roads, footpaths and public land needs to be banned and heavily penalised. Multi-storey parking spaces can be created by civic authorities to accommodate vehicles. Separate spaces need to be demarcated on roads for different types of vehicles and non-compliance needs to be punished. These measures will add more teeth to the regulations brought under the Motor Vehicles Act.
A.L. Agarwal,
Chennai
