It is a way to divert attention and also add to cash strapped government coffers. Besides, it is an opportunity for law enforcing agencies to rake in some additional dough. Fines are a great and easy source of generating resources, which should normally be ploughed back into development of roads as done internationally, which display sign boards “your taxes are put to use”. Where do all traffic violations fines collected and accruing to the treasure go and for what avowed purpose are they used for? It is a deplorable and mindless exercise that helmet rule is made mandatory on all village roads even for short distances a kilometer or less, like going to the church, school, market, doctor etc and be assured of its safety. May we know the split of statistics of two wheeler accidents on village roads?
It is ludicrous conclusion that accidents are caused by not wearing helmets. What about spurious helmets on sale? Is there a quality check on the sale of this protecting gear? What are the statistics of those two wheeler riders saved and succumbed in case of accidents involving two wheelers in particular? How are pillion riders immune to such dangers? It is the pillion rider who is most susceptible in such accidents. Or, is it that their lives are dispensable?
The causes of accidents are bad, potholed, sub-serviced and poorly maintained roads. The curves and bends identified by MARG are still to be put into operation. The poor lighting, unattended and illegal speed breakers without signs or a coat of paint deserve attention. The number of vehicles has increased many folds and is expected, with certainty, to grow exponentially on Goan roads. Drunken driving and underage driving on road without licence or obtaining one under bribes, road rages and rash driving, improper check on breaks, machine, bald tires, light failures, high beams, poorly illuminated streets, overloading, speeding and dangerously overtaking and absence of road dividers lead to accidents.
Is wearing of seat belts for all occupants made compulsory? Is driving with earplugs, music and phone conversation strictly monitored? What about separate lanes for two wheelers considering the ever increasing numbers. The wearing of helmet is considered as panacea for all road accidents? The citizens are convinced, though helpless, that the sale of helmets and generation of fines is commercially beneficial and law enforces are too happy to blow the whistle even at late hours and especially on holidays, waiting to ambush church goers.
