Sir,

Road traffic injuries are the 8th leading cause of death globally. Road accidents are the first cause of death in children and young people.

A death every 24 seconds is happening on roads anywhere in the world. More than 50% of deaths in road accidents involve pedestrians, two-wheeler riders and cyclists.

Despite the lockdown restrictions, it is very sad to know that more than 100 people are dying on Mysuru city roads every year, and close to nine hundred people died in Mysuru district alone in the last two years (refer Road accidents in Mysuru dist. in SOM dated Nov.16, 2021).

On the occasion of ‘World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’ (WDRRTV), which is celebrated on the third Sunday in November (Nov. 21), it is the duty of Governments to keep the roads and roadsides safe for road users to avoid or reduce road accidents, and individuals to follow road safety rules and drive safely, as road accident deaths and injuries leave emotional and economic devastation in the affected families.

It is very well-known that most road accidents are avoidable if safety precautions are taken while on roads. In spite of knowing the safety of helmets and seat belts, many two-wheeler riders are not wearing helmets, and many four-wheeler drivers and other occupants do not wear seat belts.

Drunk driving and overspeeding still persist. Riding triples or more and using mobile while riding is quite common. Strict enforcement of road safety rules becomes inevitable if road safety rules are not followed.

To mark WDRRTV, let us join hands to minimise fatal crashes and reduce serious injuries by being responsible road users.

—Dr. S.V.N. Vijayendra,

Ex-Traffic Warden (Mysuru)

Hyderabad 

21.11.2021