Preventable Tragedies

There is no dearth of traffic advisories, laws, and regulations in Nagaland, but their implementation remains virtually non-existent. The frequent occurrence of tragic road accidents is a stark reminder of the glaring gap between regulations on paper and their enforcement on the ground, as well as the sheer disregard for the rule of law among many road users. Many lives have been cut short by reckless driving, road rage, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy to trigger public debate and discussion about road safety. Even the chilling report of a mother being killed by a speeding car while taking her morning walk has faded from public attention without any tangible action beyond the initial outrage. The tragic death of two young pedestrians last weekend after they were hit by a speeding Maruti Gypsy at Burma Camp is heartbreaking. The devastating incident has deeply shaken the public conscience, but this too may soon pass, only for another tragedy to remind us that nobody is safe, whether behind the wheel or walking along the footpath. This is all the more troubling as most road accidents are preventable, except those caused by mechanical failures. Statistics show that a significant proportion of traffic mishaps are caused by speeding and driving under the influence. This calls for law-enforcement agencies to strictly enforce existing regulations and for the public to respect traffic rules and adopt safe driving habits. We are more reactive than proactive, and that is precisely what is ailing us. While penalising offenders is essential both to deliver justice to victims and to serve as a deterrent, the focus must go beyond punishment. Preventing such tragedies should be the way forward. This requires sustained enforcement of law and a collective commitment, which Nagaland lacks.

Dimapur’s traffic woes and their consequences are a stark example of what happens when laws are not followed or enforced. For years, the Dimapur police have been issuing traffic advisories calling for mandatory use of seatbelts, protective headgear for two-wheeler riders, and a ban on the use of mobile phones while driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. The police have also prohibited the use of beacon lights, modified exhaust pipes, pressure horns, tinted glasses, and other violations, warning that defaulters would be strictly penalised under various provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act. These are necessary regulations aimed at improving road safety and curbing accidents, yet they have largely failed on the altar of poor enforcement and the utter disregard for the rule of law by the public. It is not just traffic advisories but many government policies and directives that have suffered a similar fate. Over time, non-execution has been normalised, and a dangerous mindset that rules can be broken with little consequence has taken root. This mindset must change for the safety and well-being of everyone. Chaos is inevitable if vehicles ply on the footpath, people walk in the middle of the road and the police turn a blind eye to such disorder. We should follow traffic rules and drive safely for the safety of all.