‘Install speed governors in all government vehicles’

Soi said,“All municipal corporations trucks/ tippers should be fitted with speed governors and Global Positioning Systems. Speed governor can put a limit on the vehicle’s speed,while the Global Positioning System (GPS) can give them the exact location of a vehicle. It will be apparent if one of the vehicles departs from its assigned route. With the speed governors,we can regulate the speed of these vehicles to a maximum of 40 kilometres per hour which is less fatal and controllable to avoid any fatal mishap. Apart from fitting these equipment,garbage truck drivers who commit traffic violations endanger the lives of the citizens and they should be punished with dismissal.”

He further said the high court had already promulgated a notification to provide for stringent restrictions on the speed of all types of vehicles,except private cars. Installation of speed governors will help restrict the speed of vehicles. Otherwise,it is very difficult to keep a check on the speed of vehicles. Considering the importance of speed governors in restricting the speed of vehicles and thereby reducing accidents,the additional minor cost (for installation) should not act as a deterrent.

Another major reason for road accidents is lack of lane discipline. “Heavy vehicles should ideally move on the left side of the road. But it is a common to see such vehicles jostling for space on the right side,which is the corridor for fast moving vehicles.” The fact that people do not slow down before taking a turn also increases chances of accidents.

People do not follow lane discipline. “This not only happens on city roads,but also on state and national highways. Slow-moving vehicle should always go from the left and keep the right lane free for fast-moving ones. However,this rarely happens. One can see vehicles at a high speed overtaking from the left side,which is wrong.” Soi said,“As per the Supreme Court guidelines which directed all high courts in the country in 2002 that it will be mandatory for all owners or permit holders of vehicles to fit a speed governor in the vehicle. But the Transport department is dilly dallying on the issue,putting the life of citizens at risk. As per the guidelines,the device will be compulsory for all school buses,public and private transport buses,taxis,autos,all states goods and transport vehicles.”