As the number of vehicles goes up along with the city’s population, safety fears too rise due to pressure on old roads.
As the number of vehicles goes up along with the city’s population, safety fears too rise due to pressure on old roads. These fears could be addressed if road users follow rules.
This was the message given by speakers at the valedictory function of Road Safety Week organised by the transport department on Friday.
Even as the city’s population has grown to 80 lakh, there are 40 lakh vehicles on roads. So for every second citizen, there is a vehicle plying, said T Suneel Kumar, additional commissioner of police (law and order).
“Nevertheless, our roads are still the ones that were built during Kempegowda’s time. They are unable to accommodate the number of vehicles,” he said.
One-ways and other systems are in place to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. “This would take pressure off the road and ensure that commuters have a slightly more peaceful ride,” he said.
It is the responsibility of citizens to ensure their own safety. Children should remind their parents of the safety steps to be followed on roads.
“Most road users are not afraid of the fines for traffic violations. It is only when the traffic police are around and they use abusive language that they heed to their warnings,” he said.
Drivers who use footpaths to get ahead of others are hardly saving time by this dangerous act. “Even if you get on the footpath, how much ever you speed, the maximum amount of time you can save is five minutes. Why not simply follow rules and ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.
T Shyam Bhatt, transport commissioner, said road safety could be ensured if the civic authorities and citizens make concerted efforts.
“Drivers, citizens and the police are involved in ensuring their safety as well as the safety of those around them,” he said.
He wanted the civic agencies to focus on improving roads.
“Most roads are not able to handle the spurt in vehicle population. Civic agencies such as the PWD, BBMP and BDA need to focus on this and use their resources when they work on the infrastructure of the city,” he said.
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