In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people killed on the road. Traffic designers blame drivers for driving too fast and drivers say the roads are bad.
Who is to be blamed for the accidents and deaths caused on roads?
Since the last few years, the figure of masses meeting with fatal accidents on the roads has inclined at an alarming rate. The traffic intriguers accuse commuters for driving recklessly whereas drivers blame the poor condition of the roads. This essay shall examine both notions before arriving at a meaningful conclusion.
On the one hand, the drivers undoubtedly play a crucial role in increasing or decreasing the number of road mishaps. People should drive at the allowed speed limit. They should obey the traffic rules sincerely and must not do rash driving. Drunk driving also causes fatal accidents although people are aware of its consequences, many folks still drive when they are not in their senses because of alcohol consumption. In many countries like India, traffic rules are not taken seriously by many citizens as people are often seen offending traffic rules, crossing red lights and speeding in speed restricted zones. Minors who do not even possess driving licences are often spotted driving bikes and cars and even if they are caught, they easily get away with it due to leniency, lack of scrutiny in penalising offenders or corruption. People should drive responsibly and should not take the traffic rules for granted. Also, masses should only be granted driving licences upon honestly clearing the driving tests.
On the other hand, poorly maintained and constructed roads are also somewhat responsible for increase in the death toll in unfortunate road mishaps. Although octroi posts in each state levies road tax for the purpose of its maintenance, yet governments in many nations fail to maintain well-constructed and smooth roads. We often see huge kettles on roads, mainly in third world countries which are a major cause of dreadful road accidents, especially for two-wheeler drivers. Also, road hazards often arise due to faulty design, poorly placed signs and traffic signals, flaws in construction, delayed maintenance, failure by the governing bodies to make the required road alterations or simply due to extreme weather the surface of roads wear off which is not maintained or renovated by the roadways department from time to time. Moreover, defective or missing guardrails, dangerous slopes and dips in road layout and poor drainage that can result in pooling of potholes and hydroplaning are some of the major design flaws that result in a wreck.
To sum up, I ardently believe that it is the joint responsibility of both the lawmakers and drivers to act diligently to avoid any unfortunate happenings. Violation of traffic rules or carelessness in designing or maintaining the roads should be addressed stringently.
