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Editorial

Buses are moving like coffin on Ludhiana roads

June 25, 2015 06:07 PM
OPED PAGE

By Dr.Kamaljit Soi
The increase in Road Traffic Accidents In Ludhiana has sent shock waves among citizens, people are fearing for their lives. No one is safe , Buses are moving like coffins on the roads. In last three days two bus accidents has mowed down many innocent people for no fault of theirs. The reason sited for these tragic road accidents is break failure in both the cases. But the question is who has investigated & certified that these crashes happened due to break failure.

The feedback from onlookers & the ground report, skid marks is different , in both the cases the buses were being driven at v high speed & driver could not control the bus & that led to these deadly crashes. The condition of the buses , the fitness requirements, the absence of mandatory speed governor is leading to these crashes . Driving at excess speeds, may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while sleepy or tired may be the other reasons for these deadly crashes . The irony is the fitness & absence of speed governors is always compromised & is hardly checked & enforced.

In city like Ludhiana, exposure to potential road traffic injury has increased largely because of lack of police enforcement , rapid motorization, coupled with poor road conditions, rapid population growth, lack of safety awareness, crowded roads, poor road maintenance. Police Enforcement is very selective in Ludhiana limiting it self to petty offences , State Transport / other private buses are hardly checked & enforced to follow traffic rules.

Road traffic injuries are predictable and preventable. In general, pedestrians, cyclists, and moped and motorcycle riders are the most vulnerable road users as well as the heaviest users of roads in poor countries. Most people who use public transportation, bicycles, or mopeds and motorcycles or who habitually walk are poor, revealing the higher risk borne by those from less privilege. Strict Enforcement, Speed controlling devices on vehicles, proper fitness of vehicles , and non vehicular traffic-calming measures such as rumble strips hold the greatest promise in reducing number of accidents in city like Ludhiana.

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