Editor,
Vide notification S.O. 1522 (E) dated 6th April 2018, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, sets speed limits in respect of different classes of motor vehicles on different roads in India. Maximum speed varies by vehicle/two-wheeler/three-wheeler and type of road, but State governments can further lower the speed limits, than those set by the Union Ministry depending on local conditions and especially in hilly areas, which limited sight distances due to sharp turns and potentials of landslides, on urban road and in densely populated areas, lower speed limits are vital for protecting vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and the elderly, people die and more are injured or disabled because of road crashes. Even the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history have been involved in serious accidents, therefore, driving within and below the speed limits allows for greater control over the vehicle, which is crucial for handling sudden turns or unexpected obstacles. Lower speed means fewer serious and fatal accidents.
Managing traffic speeds is one of the most complex road safety challenges, but not unsolvable. We have known for decades that speed kills, yet there is much work to do, to convince policymakers and the public of the huge risk posed by speeding. Yes, road crashes can happen due to many reasons, even sneezing, coughing and muscles cramp can reduce drivers’ action and reaction and can be termed as accidents, but crashes caused by over-speeding, road rage and reckless driving are man-made disasters, and violators should be strictly punished and jailed. A month ago, a poor young man, requested a person who crashed and brutally injured his brother, to come forward for financial help. Regardless, who is at fault, leaving the site of an accident can have serious legal consequences. Wrong-doer should be answerable in damages for the injury so caused by him/her. Insurance Companies are not liable to pay compensation for damages caused by reckless driving, but they must first pay compensation to third-party victims, and can recover the amount form the owner of a vehicle for negligence or policy breach. Time has come to use electronic eyes (cameras and sensors) on a large scale, to watch every violation, hit-and-run, unreported incident, kidnapping, child lifting, theft, and other crimes. Super quality automated systems can operate 24/7 without human interventions.
While the Government sets speed limits for every road in India, only a few follow, also when policymakers set rules, only a few follow. Therefore, it is fair to say that, the Government of India may also see that any manufacturing company not to produce vehicles/two-wheelers/three-wheelers to be sold in India beyond the prescribed speed limits. Instead, vehicles with high-speed engines should be calibrated in such a manner that a vehicle does not exceed the permitted speed limit. Actions taken by Ri-Bhoi police and the district administration on highway between Shillong and Guwahati are seen as a positive step towards improving road safety and is highly appreciated.
“Never drive or ride faster than your Guardian Angel can fly”
D. Pakyntein
Via e-mail
