Traffic chaos that is crippling Shillong and leaving residents frustrated has been further compounded with the emergence of a trend, popularly known in the western world as ‘street takeovers’, to show off modified cars and bikes.
Several videos have surfaced online of screeching tyres, revving engines and modified exhausts as cars and bikes take over the city streets reportedly during the festive holidays at Khyndailad and the stretch along the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
As these cars show off the illegal modifications hundreds of onlookers were seen gathering at the traffic choke points in the city with no police in sight.
As Highland Post had posted these footages available on the social media platform, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said, “We are taking back the streets. From last night rigorous patrolling has started.”
An instagrammer by the name 13o9_Customz objected to the use of one of the videos citing “inaccurate information” and used without prior information. While the user wanted the HP team to take the video down, it is to be noted that the posts of these users are public and viewable by all on Instagram and were shared in the public interest.
While not claiming that these footage belong to HP, the video has not been taken down from our social media platforms.
As the trend is becoming a concern many observers feel that it would soon turn into a menacing problem. However, others see it as a way to have “fun and happiness”, that it was “fine if they don’t drive recklessly on public roads” and “has not hit anyone”.
A facebook user was against fun and happiness and commented, “Selling drugs gives happiness to drug dealers. Should they continue doing that also?”
It may be mentioned that these unauthorized commandeering of public roads pose substantial risks to public safety. While the traffic rules and laws are in place to prevent reckless endangerment and to ensure the orderly use of shared spaces these unregulated activities could prove fatal for the city and its residents if authorities don’t keep a check.
Meanwhile, a video of a speeding modified maruti car that crashed into a pickup truck along the Shillong-Guwahati road in Mawïong after overtaking multiple vehicles was widely shared online.
Police said the driver was arrested and a case has been registered. His driving license was cancelled and the car seized.
A local news channel t7 found wit to share the incident saying, “For the record, no amount of aftermarket exhausts or modifications will transform a Maruti 800 into a Supra or a Nissan GT-R. And reckless driving will never make you a hero—it’s a straight ticket to public embarrassment or jail.”
Pointing out that such stunts not only risk lives but also test the patience of law-abiding citizens it also called on the State Police to address these “antics with strict action to ensure the safety of everyone on the road” and the citizens to “leave the high-speed thrills to Hollywood and stick to responsible driving in real life.”
