WHAT’s THE HURRY?
Jaipur: Fatalities caused by overspeeding and wrong-side driving are increasing across the state daily. Despite constant awareness efforts by traffic police and various NGOs regarding traffic rules, their impact on public behaviour seems minimal. Most people follow traffic regulations only to avoid penalties, not out of genuine safety concern.
The recent accident involving a convoy shook the administration and the public alike. Yet, just two days after the incident, when the area near the site of the accident (between the NRI Chauraha and Akshaya Patra Chauraha) was inspected, neither fear among commuters nor proactive measures by the authorities were evident.
Standing at this location, it was observed that a vehicle approached from wrong side, mostly twowheelers, every 2 minutes. Moreover, vehicles speeding past every 20 to 30 seconds were a common sight. How, then, can accidents be prevented?
This isn’t just a matter of administration but a wake-up call for the public. Startlingly, even school and college buses, carrying children, were seen driving on the wrong side in this area.This situation represents just one location. If a broader survey were conducted, it would reveal that such violations are rampant across the city and state, particularly between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM. During this time, traffic police presence is minimal, and most accidents also occur within these hours.
As winter approaches, reduced visibility due to fog will further exacerbate the problem. This calls for immediate attention from both the administration and the general public to prevent the growing number of accidents.
