Coimbatore: With bikers and other motorists indulging in rash and negligent driving in their hurry to reach their destinations a bit early, fatal accidents have peaked on city roads, where 28 lives were lost in Feb alone.Among the accident victims is R Ponge Gounder, 55, of Devarayapuram, who was run over by a mini bus near the city police commissionerate on Feb 27. CCTV footage showed he was riding his scooter very close behind the mini bus and attempted to overtake it near the median. The scooter’s handlebar struck the median, causing him to fall under the rear wheel of the bus, which ran over his chest, killing him on the spot. In a similar accident, P Govardhana Manibharathi, 18, a student at a private diploma college, was killed on Feb 18 after his motorcycle’s handlebar hit a private bus heading to Gandhipuram. He lost balance and fell under the bus, which ran over his head. S Ashok Kumar, city deputy police commissioner (traffic), says the number of accidents being caused by speeding vehicles is much higher than the accidents caused by drunk driving in recent times. “This shows that many are involved in rash and negligent driving. Many college students and youngsters are losing their lives due to this. Moreover, many do not follow traffic rules after 10pm, thinking there are no rules after that. Every biker and motorist should follow traffic rules,” he says. According to him, eight special teams have been formed and deployed at various locations during night hours to intercept speeding vehicles. “Barricades are being placed at identified blackspots to force motorists to slow down. Vehicles should not exceed the speed limit of 40kmph within the city.” Another traffic police officer says routine travels were turning deadly in the city. “Eight people were run over by trucks and buses. Six of the victims were bikers who fell under the rear wheels of heavy vehicles, highlighting the risks of following too closely, sudden braking, and loss of control at high speeds.” He says the most distressing aspect is the number of college students and youths dying in road accidents. “Parents should think twice before buying bikes for their children. High-speed vehicles may look appealing, but they could turn deadly if traffic rules are not followed.” N Devendran, secretary, Road Safety Association, says speed detection cameras should be installed to identify rash and negligent driving. “Strict action should be taken against those who drive at high speeds and cause accidents. Imposing fines alone will not deter repeat offenders.”
