The Road Tragedy
Doukhanlal Baite
Dimapur
If driving is the number one causes of death worldwide, if human lives are precious, then why government does not adopt a zero tolerance policy upon defaulters against the rules of the road. The value of life cannot be left to those reckless drivers and headstrong bureaucrats who ignore the cause of road tragedy. Morally, road safety is a shared responsibility, however the government is the prime responsible to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities and to adopt infrastructure, technology and mechanism to shun or at least minimize the road mishaps. The whole tragedy lies within the bureaucracy in itself.
I think the logic for road safety starts from the rationale bureaucrats who issues Driving License and an accountable minister or officials who are responsible for construction of roads and highway with proper pedestrian pavement and the tragedies ends in the hands of a tactful and diligent driver.
Manipur and Nagaland have witnessed a constant tragic road accident and the friction is amplified with the onset of monsoon. Now there is an environment of pessimism and chronic psychiatric fear has deceive the minds of every citizens who took the road. As accidents does not come with a billboard or an alarm, the government need to focus and make a strategic input to change these stereotype.
As of now, I am very optimistic about our present government, but instead they are still trading barbs of politics and of irrelevant issues, this is the time to oversee all round development and address the issues of traffic safety and its standard too. Of course government priorities includes building and construction of good roads and highways however measures to counter and tackle road accident has been an off-topic in spite of projecting it as a number one causes of death than terrorism. By far these areas demand to be a focal point for the citizens as a whole than a bid to become a permanent member of the so called NSG and UNSC and its alike.
Amid controversies on ''gau raksha'' and meat bandh, the recent initiative of the central government in restriction of the sale of liquor within 500 meters from highways would drastically reduced road tragic accident in the long run though some irresponsible industry experts concerned on revenue lost. Similarly, the government proposed new rule for two-wheeler manufacturer in the country from next year to have a provision of Automatic Headlight On would do good in lessening fatal road crashes. This has been practiced by the European countries since 2003. Well, Manipur and Nagaland is by far lagging behind the other states of India with regard to the enforcement of road traffic safety rules but amazingly we still topped the list of terror and corruption, which i think is a chickenshit complacency
In order to keep the citizens safe on the roads, a hefty punishment should be impose upon the following defaulters.
1. Speed Limit - strict vigils on over speeding which is the major cause of accident.
2. Invalid driving license and documents.
3. Drunk driving off the road - regular breathalyzer test should be made mandatory.
4. Driving without safety equipment like helmet.
5. Night driving without proper headlight.
6. Automatic Headlight On - new version of road safety.
WHAT THE CONCERNED AUTHORITY SHOULD DO
1. To redesign Right Hand Exits
2. Vehicle Inspection Committee to be form to regulate and monitor vehicle safety inspection.
3. All vehicle more than 15 years to be bandh.
4. Regulate mechanism of passenger vehicle by replacement of auto rickshaws with modern city buses in all the cities.
5. Regular advertisement and awareness in social media.
6. Institute a a quality and professional driving school along with DTO.
7. Earnest honesty in issuing Driving license only after screening.
8. Tamper proof speed controller should be mandatory.
9. Two drivers mandatory for Inter state transport vehicle.
10. UPs Anti Romeo squad like mobile team to handle road mishaps.
11. Improve communication infrastructure and equipment of the traffic department for immediate action
WHAT INDIVIDUALS SHOULD DO
1. Have adequate sleep and rest if you have a plan for long drive. 2. Always maintain speed limit 3. Back off and don't tailgate or allow other to tailgate you. 4. Avoid night driving 5. Avoid using electronic item and gadget, they divert your focus and concentration.
Whatever it may be, free road traffic fatalities can be achieve only when every citizens takes the ownership of society and have strong moral obligation.
