Mangaluru: The Superintendent of Police Dr Sharanappa held a press meet at the SP office here on January 8.
Addressing the mediapersons SP Dr Sharanappa said that there are a number of casualties due to road accidents. Every year new vehicles come on the roads and accidents have been increasing. In the district as well as in the country the number of accidents have risen. In the country the rate of accidents have gone up by 1.4%, compared to 2014. In the district in 2011 there were 746 accidents, in 2012 there were 828 accidents, 2013 there were 891 accidents, 2014 there were 956 and in 2015 there are 950 accidents. In 2011 there were 96 fatal accidents, but in 2015 it has gone up to 152. In 2011 non fatal accidents were 650 and in 2015 they have increased to 798. In our district 140 to 150 people die and more than 1300 people suffer injuries every year.
He further said that it is a dangerous figure even though DK is known as a intellectuals city the rate of accidents have increased. Tourists from outside the state and district drive in DK without the knowledge of roads. Some people drink and drive which leads to accidents. Some people while driving or riding use mobile phones. The supreme court has formed a committee called the Supreme court committee for Road safety, and Justice K Radhakrishnan is the chairman of the committee. The committee has given some suggestions such as evening hours drink and drive and the use of mobile phones while driving to be penalized. But still the traffic violations are going on.
He further said that from the RTO department, suspension of license for a period of not less than 3 months under section 19 chapter 21 under central motor vehicle rule 1988. Red light jumping, over speeding, transporting people in goods vehicles, overloading, drinks and consuming drugs while driving will be punishable. In case of fatal accidents the license of the driver and the vehicle will be seized. Whoever violates traffic rules strict action will be taken against them.
He also stressed that under age students come by two wheelers to the college. If we find any underage students riding two wheelers and go to the college we will hold the parents and the college authorities responsible. It is a serious lapse by the parents and the college authorities to allow under age children/students to ride two wheelers. Information will be sent to all the colleges and schools not to allow under age students to ride two wheelers. Anyone below 18 years of age will not be allowed to ride a two wheeler. We will have a road safety drive on January 12, to bring awareness among the students and the institutions.
Students riding two wheelers should always carry the driving license and Registration certificate. In is found that in Vittal under age students ride two wheelers without license. Within 10 days we will hold a road safety drive and information will be sent to all the colleges and schools.
When asked if under age students ride two wheelers who will be punished, RTO Hegde said that we will seize the vehicle and penalize the students as well as inform the parents and the school authorities to stop allowing such students to ride two wheelers.
Wearing helmet is mandatory for the pillion rider as well, even small children will have to wear the helmet, he added.
Rich and famous can hold phone and drive, no problem. They can sport tint, drink n drive. Dear Inspector please note there is proof. Plus police people themselves drink n drive n talk on phone. This is Incredible India where if u got the bucks flaunt it.