Road accidents

India
June 10, 2012 2:18am CST
While returning from the temple, as I have said in my previous discussion; ‘My pilgrimage’, we saw about 7 accidents on Puri- Bhubaneswar National Highway #203 at about 11am. In one place a tourist bus was hit by a truck from behind, another; a bus hit a 16 wheel heavy vehicle that was standing on the road side, there were 3 accidents involving bikes, driven by young guys; seems they drove fast; or were drunk, or under effect of drugs; none wore safety helmets, though it is compulsory as per law. Rather they were wearing ear phones and hearing to music from cell phone or mini music players kept in pocket. We stooped at one spot, one eye witness said the guys were looking back at girls on the road and dashed on another bike. There are road posts, telling; ‘The minute you save by fast driving may be your last, so drive safe’; another said; ‘During last one month 31 persons have died here; so drive at 30 kilometers per hour while taking a turn here’. Friends I faced an accident on 25th July 1985, which shattered my left hip bone to 11 pieces, I was hospitalized for more than 8 months, it was a scooter accident, I was driving at 40 kms per hour speed only; there was a ditch on the street full with water, the small wheel fell in to it and I was thrown away. Well we moved in our car, as it was getting hotter we stopped in Sakhigopal, another town having temples; the most famous is ‘Sakhigopinath’; we stayed in that place at resident of a very close friend; who is retired Director of Health. H[b]ave you ever faced or witnessed any accident? In your opinion what are the common cause of accident? Do you find guys/girls wearing earphones, but not safety helmets? Do you have posts on roadside with similar warnings? Please share your experience if any and comment on this. Thanks in advance.[/b] Prof.Dr. B.Saraf. PhD 10th June 2012.
1 person likes this
2 responses
mammots
@mammots (3209)
• Philippines
10 Jun 12
i used to work in a call center. i usually report for work around 2 to 3 in the morning. on my way to work we often pass by victims of car head on collisions or motorcycle accidents. at this time in the morning there are very few cars on the road but most are in full speed. some are coming from parties and are driving while intoxicated or some fall asleep while driving because of the still cool weather at this time of the morning. its sad to see motorcycle accident victims still with their broken helmets on lying on the road a few meters away from their motorcycles. our authorities here in my country are very strict regarding the wearing of helmets when riding motorcycles. but when your in full speed ... the helmets are useless.
tigeraunt
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
10 Jun 12
dear professor, as the roads gets heavier with traffic, i always learn of accidents here and there. i have not seen an actual accident but i have passed some. it was recently that a public ulility vehicle full of passengers got hit by a delivery truck on a crossing because the latter lost his breaks. almost all passengers perished. the public utility was a total wreck. a friend was travelling without her helmet on also perished in an accident. when driving, one should always be very careful and wear safety measures such as helmets and seat straps. drivers should always make sure their vehicle is in good running condition, and with good breaks. ann