[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is with some sense of regret that every now and then we get reports of accidents due to rash and/or reckless driving. This also means that the drivers are usually in an inebriated state and like most drunkards tend to think themselves above the law or that they can get away with it.
One case is that of a Maruti van which plunged into a CGI roofed house below the road on Kezieke Colony, Kohima thereby killing a mother and her five year old daughter on Thursday (December 5) night. The father and four year old son sustained serious injuries and are now battling for life in the hospital.Fortunately, two other minors of the family had a miraculous escape as they were sleeping on a separate bed a few yards away. The driver cum owner of the van has been arrested but that will not bring back to life the deceased because of his drunken driving.
In another incident, a man succumbed to head injuries after his Maruti car had a head on collision with a truck at Jakhama the same night. The driver is absconding thus indicating his guilt.
So what exactly is Rash or Reckless Driving.? It is often defined as a mental state in which the driver displays a wanton disregard for the rules of the road; the driver often misjudges common driving procedures, often causing accidents and other damages. Reckless driving has been studied by psychologists who found that reckless drivers score high in risk-taking personality traits.
However, no particular one cause can be assigned to this state. There are some countries where mental state is not considered, but rather a set of specific violations can be deemed reckless. Excessive speed by itself is sufficient for a reckless driving conviction in some jurisdictions.
In our very own land, we have numerous qualified drivers and yet there are enough among them who tend to drive a little too fast over the speed limit. The Traffic Police already under pressure streamlining the sea of vehicles during the on going Hornbill Festival, must be tearing their hair over drunken driving incidents.
Its time for some enforcement of rules vis a vis drunken driving and the ‘khushi’ ‘ khushi’ attitude of the men behind the wheels.
Rules appear to be non-existent.
We often tend to forget that as per traffic regulations, the right (side) is wrong while left is right. Many of us tend to overtake from the left side also. In a similar vein, most pedestrians will also notice that as they move along a footpath, someone coming from the opposite direction will more often than not try to cross from the left side.
Anyone who has spent time to observe ants will know that these tiny creatures have the brains to manage a most efficient system of movement. They never cross each other’s paths or bang into another or overtake
Why can’t we learn to be more like ants? It will do us a world of good and save lives and stop causing misery born out of reckless and selfish acts.
