Whenever an accident or a tragedy strikes it is ritualistic for ministers to issue condolences, forget till another one takes place and then repeat the same excercise. This time even Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined them in extending condolences. What happened in Udhampur District on Monday is nothing new but the same old story of bus accident which claimed 24 lives. If these ministers can join in issuing condolences can’t they work for betterment of peoples’ life and their safety by jointly calling for strict laws? The passenger segment of transport which is largely operated by private players is the worst violator of all rules and regulations here. There is no regard for carrying passengers resultant effect is that rash, drunken driving have become the major killers on the roads. The official and unofficial data shows that more lives are lost on roads than militancy or any other natural calamity anywhere in India. Even the Supreme Court had also expressed concern over the lenient laws against violators. The Apex Court even asked the Parliament to enhance punishment for drunken driving by amending the present laws to safeguard valuable human life. The Apex Court has sought a relook of the provisions of Section 304 so there should be a revisit to the rash and negligent driving clauses. The Apex Court felt this Section has failed to work as a deterrent to provide punishment. The original proposals of the Bill proposed by Road Transport Ministry had stated at least seven years in jails and Rs 3 lakh fine in a rash driving case. The other penalties or fines to be imposed in the case of over speeding have been brought down to Rs 1,000-Rs 6,000 where as original proposal was to have a fine of Rs 5,000-RS 12,500 for repeat offences in the face of stiff opposition at various levels. The Apex Court was critical of watering down the provisions and has made an observation over the rising rate of accidents. It observed driving in a rash and negligent manner giving no consideration for traffic rules, self or others life or driving with youthful adventurous manner has become an order of the day.
