Legislate for safer roads

The death of a traffic investigation wing sub-inspector in a Chennai road mishap because he was not wearing a helmet while riding his two-wheeler not only serves as a warning to all motorcycle and scooter riders but also an example of what little concern there is for a person's own safety. The wearing of helmets is compulsory in Tamil Nadu and the high court has come down on the police for not enforcing the law. In fact, the police have been put on the mat over the issue even as the number of deaths is rising due to careless bike riders defying the law and not wearing the minimum protection that could save their lives or at least minimise the chances of their having to live the rest of their lives in a vegetative state from head injuries.

It would seem logical that it is in the people's interest to safeguard themselves in a country that has a sizeable proportion of the population commuting on two-wheelers. Should the police be enforcing the law by fining riders who seem not to care a fig for their own safety? A generally warm and humid climate is not a good enough excuse to warrant such huge numbers of people risking their life and limb in India's chaotic urban traffic conditions by not wearing helmets or seat belts in cars. The courts are showing too great a concern for the common man. With nearly 1.5 lakh people dying in road mishaps a year and countless more traumatised or marked for life after being involved in accidents, it is time basic safety measures are incorporated in the new Motor Vehicles Bill and hefty fines for deterrence become part of the statute.