23 Oct 2017  |   04:27am IST

We need strict action to induce discipline on our roads

Citizen RONNIE D’SOUZA Chandor

Looking at other developed countries and the decorum they maintain on the roads, I feel very sad and angry to see that our government and people are still so very backward in adhering to proper traffic rules and regulations. 

But, it is never late to correct oneself and promise to follow rules with diligence and honesty, which are not only good for the safety of oneself, but also all the others who use the roads. 

Each of us must remember that traffic rules are for our own benefits and basic things should not be told to law-abiding citizens.  We know that we should not cross the zebra lines, but unfortunately everybody, including two-wheeler riders and four-wheeler drivers seem to show a careless attitude to law. 

The zebra crossing lines are for the public to cross the road and not for motorists to occupy. Even pedestriants need to use only zebra crossing lines to cross the road and not amble or run on the road, as an easy short cut may add risk to your life or even just cut your life. 

Cell phone riding and driving has become a menace and people do weird things with their phones on the road. On should endeavour to avoid using mobile phone while driving or riding, or even while crossing the road. Understand that your life is more precious than your phone and that ‘important’ conversation can be given another chance, not life.

Our RTO department, police and traffic cell department should have regular programmes to explain the dangers of wrong-doings on the road and the effects of not obeying traffic rules.

Perhaps people are so ignorant that they do not know where to stop their vehicles at the signal and strict enforcement should be initiated to ensure that traffic rules are obeyed.

Since our youngsters also indulge in breaking traffic rules, they should go to all schools, colleges and offices once in a year  or even make a small video about zebra crossing lines and have mandatory screening of safety norms in cinemas. 

Let our people be educated about the rules and regulations of our country and the penalties (in fines and prison terms) for breaking the rules.  Our government should show safety advertisements and such pictures along with message on our State Kadamba buses instead of putting condoms and tobacco advertisements. 

Also, before issuing the licence RTO should teach them all this rules and signs first. RTO has to give them a booklet in Konkani, Hindi and English,  with all the rules and regulations along with different  signs and pictures when they issue learning licence. 

RTO may charge the people for the booklet. This is one such idea which will make our people smart in safety.  It is noticed that many people have licence but till today  do not know some of the basic traffic rules and signs.  Who do we blame on this, the public or the RTO?  

Traffic Police should fine a rider or driver who breaks the signal line and the vehicles which stop on zebra crossing lines.  I request our Goa government to make strong laws so that each and everyone follows the traffic rules and regulations. 

It is good for our own safety and it will reduce many accidents in our State, which is on a rise day by day. 

RTO, police, traffic cell department should take strong action on law breakers. It is better to be mister late than be Late mister! 

 It is better to be mister late than be Late mister! 

 

IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar