November 15 was observed as World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Accidents are the leading cause of death among youngsters. DNA asks people the causes and what can be done to tackle the menace.
Expert view
Meticulously test skills of drivers
It's true that we need to create awareness about the fatalities on roads and highways. But the responsibility for resolution of road mishaps lies with the authority. There is no determination to strictly enforce traffic laws. Motorists need to respect the laws, for example drunken driving and speeding are offences, why should traffic department carry out drives to make motorists aware. Vehicle owners must realise that it is patently wrong. Regional Transport Office must follow strict norms while giving licences to new drivers. The licences of violators must be cancelled and new ones shouldn't be issued. Skills of the motorist must be thoroughly tested while granting him the licence. Youngsters drive rashly because the traffic police are lax in enforcing the law. They feel it is easy to get away with the monetary penalties and fines.
—Renuka Kriplani, editor, Autocar show
Install road signages and diversion info
Fatalities on roads and expressways are an urban phenomenon. The reasons for the same are: speeding on highways and urban areas, high levels of annoyance among urban drivers, inadequate provisions for pedestrian safety and facilities for crossing busy roads. Motorists get a thrill when they speed past the traffic signals. Traffic calming measures - like installation of proper signages and measures like placing road dividers and diversion instructions are important. These measures will go a long way in allaying impatience and confusion among drivers and owners of vehicles. Severe punishment, in terms of stiff monetary penalties and jail terms must be meted to repeat offenders. Action must be taken against bikers who drive on footpaths, since they appropriate space meant for pedestrians. It must be drilled into them that the pedestrian is supreme.
—Sudhir Badami, transport expert
Strict action will reduce fatalities
The ‘anything-will-do’ attitude of people is responsible for the violation of traffic rules. The attitude of pedestrians and motorists matters. Motorists need to respect others and shouldn’t think that they have the right of way. When the penalties go up, people will try and be more cautious. They will avoid making mistakes and defy traffic norms. In Mumbai, the main reason for road accidents is lack of road space. There are rules in place, but hardly any enforcement. Everyone claims to have bribed the traffic police and got away scot-free.
—Mithlesh Thukral
Road construction work is quite erratic
Only bikers and motorists can’t be blamed for road accidents. We have to look at the holistic traffic arrangement and plying of vehicles and movement of pedestrians. Firstly, most footpaths are encroached either by hawkers or illegal vendors. Secondly, road construction work is unplanned and puts lives of both motorists and pedestrians in jeopardy. Thirdly, inebriated affluent youngsters don’t follow traffic rules and think they can get away with paying paltry penalties. Rules should be strictly implemented for those who break traffic norms.
—Nasir Engineer
Pedestrians must use zebra crossings
Youngsters today are influenced by the movies and they indulge in reckless driving. The worst part is that most of them are underage drivers and have obtained licences covertly. Pedestrians are equally responsible when it comes to road accidents, they are impatient and don’t wait for the signal to turn red. People hardly use the zebra crossing lines. The increasing number of private vehicles is a worry, since road space is constant. I think we need to be strict with the implementation of the rules. Motorists must avoid talking on phone, while driving.
—Divyesh Chovatiya
People are reluctant to use subways
In our country, neither drivers nor pedestrians strictly adhere to road safety rules. Vehicle owners drive fast, break signals and speak on mobiles while driving, but they easily'manage' traffic police by giving paltry fines or bribes. Some pedestrians become victims because they cross busy roads and don't use subways or foot-over bridges. There is need to implement laws equally for everyone be it the common person or a celebrity. If traffic police set an example by punishing famous personalities if they break traffic rules, then people will think twice before breaking norms.
—Paulomi Choudhury
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