Sir,

Having side-view mirrors on both sides of a two-wheeler or four-wheeler is essential to know the vehicles coming behind. It is also imperative to look into these mirrors before changing the lane, taking either right turn or left turn. It is also useful to move the two-wheeler to a safe place when a speeding vehicle coming from behind is noticed in these mirrors. 

However, many riders and drivers are ignoring it. Several vehicles do not have both the mirrors, and some have only the right side mirror.  The riders covering the side-view mirrors by keeping the helmet over it rather than wearing on their head, and in some cars, drivers do not open the side mirrors is being noticed many times even in our city.

According to the MV Act Section 177, it is mandatory to have side-view mirrors and a fine of Rs. 500 can be charged, if it is missing. Cyberabad Police have issued 1.5 lakh challans for two-wheeler owners during the last year alone for such violations, indicating the negligence of the drivers not to have side-view mirrors. During the previous year, 178 two-wheeler riders died in Hyderabad city alone as they have not noticed the approaching vehicle from behind and took a turn leading to accidents, in which a majority could have been avoided had the riders used the side-view mirrors. 

Hence, it is advised to have side-view mirrors on the vehicles and use them while on the move and not to block or bend it to avoid any mishap.

– Dr. S.V.N. Vijayendra, Traffic Warden & Member, City Traffic Advisory Committee,  Mysuru, 5.6.2020

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