Road to Perdition
A very good article. But our question is, how can we change the system and bring about a revolution.
Recently we had an initiative by the traffic police to fine people driving on the wrong side. Why have such initiative when its a offence to drive on the wrong side, offenders should be booked all year round, not just for a week long "initiative".
As for helmets, people want to do 'satyagrah" fo not wearing them and local political parties support such agitations.
As he says "Nothing can be done since this requires a full ecosystem change - new regulations, better enforcement, safer vehicles, more sensible roads". And above all a responsible citizen.

I wonder why people are trying to think of new laws, when the existing ones aren't enforced. Why not consider the pics from CCTV & start fining people? Why not a computer generated report for the offence & send mailers to the respective owners to pay a fine to court (mere sum of Rs 50 etc)?

See the initiative from CCTP - http://www.facebook.com/#!/chennaitrafficpolice & from Delhi - http://delhitrafficpolice.nic.in/

Also the CCTV as a source for people violating law - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...ow/8741965.cms. Just 2K camera only at Mumbai alone.

And a news for screaming - http://articles.timesofindia.indiati...ration-helmets

And a dedicated website to report traffic violation - http://www.trafficviolators.com/

Or may be a public-private partnership like Friends of Police - http://friendsofpolice.net/, but, with few extended rights.

Unless there's an ENFORCEMENT through automated system, nothing else will work in this corrupt system.

High public awareness is required to eradicate traffic Accidents...

Awareness on what?

Awareness on Road safety manners & riding /driving properly on the streets and in proper speed..

Satyam - My point for that question is that, people ARE aware of these things. Its the attitude that, "accidents do happen, but it doesn't happen to me" AND the lack of law enforcements that has lead to the current situation as what's going on today.

Trust me, everyone's aware of basic things. What they may not know is the stinking general ward of Govt hospital.

Again, speed, rash driving & violating small traffic rules such as using 100/90, jumping signals are all different things. One can ride fast & responsible, one can ride slow & irresponsible, one can be cautious & violate laws. All of them are possible, but one thing that should be common to people is - LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Well the system is corrupt at most levels, new laws are introduced in such a manner, to maintain or increase corruption. The police and government offices will always oppose automated systems, their pockets cannot be lined that way. It's actually very embarrassing, that our country and government views itself as an emerging superpower, it will never happen!
Civic responsibility is simply not there, on the roads people drive like lunatics on acid, it's very rare to see someone stop to allow a pedestrian cross, the incesant use of high beams by cars,bikes and buses is one of the biggest dangers on the roads, overtaking at every opportunity, even on corners seems to be an obsession. The use of modified fog lights is also on the rise (even when there is no fog or rain?) Installing stupid horns to be louder and louder, then there's the stupid and downright retarded random use of the horn, why? is it just to piss someone off?
Then there's all the scooters.bikes.cars,taxi's and trucks without functioning brake/tail lights, I really don't get this one, why invite an accident? What about throwing your houshold garbage from car/bike/bus or scooter, I see that daily. How many wear seat belts, especially in the back seats. We can't enforce logic on ourselves, what chance do the cops have?
Firstly this all comes down to civic sense, moral responsibility and respect for life (whether it be your own, your families or anybody else) without this laws and rules are worthless, we actually encourage corruption and are part of it, how many cars have a valid puc and yet don't take their vehicle for testing, how many have driving license without taking a test?
I think we're screwing ourselves, it could all be too late!