Road adventures that can put lives at risk

The horrific incident that occurred on the road in front of the Kozhikode Beach police station, where a young man was killed while filming a car chase scene, should serve as an eye-opener for the police, Motor Vehicle Department, and the general public. Videographer TK Alvin was knocked down by one of the cars while filming a promotional video for a private company in Kozhikode, featuring a car chase scene involving a Defender and a Benz. Although efforts were made to replace the Benz car, which caused the accident, with a Defender as the Benz car did not have insurance, the plan was foiled when the footage from the camera revealed the truth. The vehicle owner was charged with non-intentional homicide and released on bail. The incident occurred when Alvin, who had undergone a kidney transplant two years ago, had returned home for follow-up treatment. Alvin, 20, was the sole breadwinner of his family.

Alvin was filming from the middle of the road when cars were speeding recklessly for a reel. Seeing the fast-moving cars coming toward him, he panicked and moved to the side of the road. However, he was hit by a car, thrown into the air, and fell to the road, hitting his head. He died shortly after. Reels and real life are not the same. Recently, there has been an increase in instances of racing on bikes and cars to create reels. There's nothing wrong with taking short videos, but such tendencies that cross limits are alarming. The police and Motor Vehicle Department should regulate such activities legally. Acts done for amusement can lead to accidents that even claim the lives of innocent people. Those shooting reels often drive vehicles in various reckless ways to capture visuals. In the process, they tend to ignore pedestrians and other vehicles on the road.

Stricter enforcement of road safety laws can help curb many such reckless activities. As the number of reels filming near the Nattukadavu Bridge on the upgraded Kizhakken Muthoor-Manakkachira Road, part of the Thiruvalla Outer Bypass increased, local auto-rickshaw drivers put up a banner that read, "Anyone shooting reels on this road will have their arms and legs broken." No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. While such interventions by the public can have some positive effects, it is the police and the motor vehicles department that must take appropriate legal action in such matters. Unsafe trends are increasingly observed during pre-wedding album shoots as well. There's nothing wrong with making a significant life event unforgettable. However, everyone should be cautious not to invite disasters by showing off excessive bravado. Strong awareness is necessary in such matters. Lives should not be lost on the roads anymore.