Sir,

The statistics of 61 deaths out of 281 accidents in six months is unexpectedly high compared to normal times (refer the news ‘No decline in road accidents, deaths’ in SOM dated June 23).

That this has happened during Covid-19 lockdown is all the more disturbing and requires a more detailed study to find out the linkages to several other related factors.

Reckless driving is not a new finding but the fact that both the driver and the pillion rider have died in some cases indicates that speed must be unconscionably high. That there was no breathalyser to test the consumption of alcohol is to miss the crucial data. Helmetless riding and triple riding in two-wheelers is the result of poor enforcement by Traffic Police.

The statistics does not give the age details of those died and it is not difficult to guess that majority of them should have been quite young which is doubly tragic and significant for apart from trauma to the family it is a great economic loss.

– H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 24.6.2021

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to [email protected]