Dr Asangba Tzudir
For so long, travelling from Dimapur to Chumoukedima was a nightmare having to undergo hours of harrowing dusty bumpy experiences. However that has ended with the completion of the four lane highway and commuters are now enjoying a smooth ride, and more than anything else it has drastically cut down on the travel time by leaps and bounds.
Looking back, the condition of this stretch of the road was such that it was a much cursed and a topic of condemnation especially in social media while talking about the deplorable condition of roads. However, with its completion not much of appreciation has been shown in spite of the relief and comfort this transformation has brought about.
However, this stretch of the road comes with its own set of dangers which was being felt initially, and which is now factually attested by the turn of events with accidents already happening almost every day. And if proper precautions or road safety rules are not followed this road will soon become the death corridor.
Any driver especially those driving the two wheelers will definitely feel the thrill of having to drive in the vast stretch highway let along the real thrill of driving on such road. A note of caution to youngsters driving two wheelers especially the ‘sophisticated bikes should know that this new four lane road is simply a road but not a racing track. Thus, in relation to (over)speeding, laws that set specific maximum speed limits, and also laws that require drivers to operate their vehicles at a speed that is reasonable under the given circumstances needs to be reinforced while ensuring that Absolute, Presumed and Basic Speed limits are followed accordingly. More so, though speed limits may be prescribed, the day’s condition should ultimately define the limit of the speed.
As for any driver, the general rule of 4 lane highway, and which is also aptly highlighted by the popular theatre group Dreamz Unlimited in their latest episode is that, of the two lanes on each side of the road one should always drive on the leftmost lane and to use the right lane only to overtake. With colony roads connecting the highway and other intersecting roads it is not only dangerous but also not right as per traffic rules to overtake the vehicles on the right from the left side. This rule needs to be strictly followed in order to avoid accidents.
Along with comforts, comes the danger of the four lane, and where life is at stake. Thus greater awareness needs to be imparted to the general public on the road safety rules through media so as to educate a wider section of people. And since there are no breakers on this stretch of the road, speed limits too needs to be imposed, and proper glowing signages for the awareness of the drivers need to be put near intersection points or where other roads connects with the main road.
Road safety and traffic rules are there but very often we are either unaware of it or very commonly ignore them. One needs to drive safe and responsibly which begins by doing simple but important things like wearing helmets and fastening seat belts and following the rules. Further, one cannot afford to have distractions when conditions are poor for driving especially on foggy days and nights. And when life is at stake, it is not a question of having to follow or obey the rules just for the sake of it, but for the sake of life and also others life that one should drive responsibly. The thrill needs to be killed before the thrill itself kills life.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to the Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
