Young blood spilling on the streets

Accidents may be unexpected, but we can often anticipate the situations that lead to them and the risks involved. If we look at accidents from five years ago, poor road conditions were a major cause in most cases. However, in recent times, road safety experts say that overspeeding has become the main reason behind the increasing number of accidents. Youngsters are more attracted to high speed. As a result, most accidents involve two-wheelers, and many of the victims are between 20 and 24 years old. Even as accidents continue to rise, it is unfortunate that many young people are still not fully aware of the dangers caused by overspeeding.

In a tragic incident early Wednesday morning around 2:30 am, three MBBS students of Malabar Medical College lost their lives when their electric scooter crashed into an electric post and a wall on the Thamarassery-Koyilandy national highway. They were returning after attending an iftar gathering at a friend’s house. Two of the victims were 20 years old, and the third was 23. It is believed that the scooter was travelling at a high speed when the accident occurred. It is not yet clear whether another vehicle was involved or if the scooter lost control on its own and hit the electric post. The injured students lay on the roadside for more than an hour and a half before anyone noticed. Although they were later taken to a hospital, their lives could not be saved.

In another incident on Monday in Kilimanoor, Thiruvananthapuram, two brothers aged 20 and 23 died after their bike lost control and skidded. The elder brother was riding at high speed to drop his younger brother at the KSRTC bus stand. The bike skidded for about 10 metres before hitting an electric post and overturning into a drain. In the past week alone, around ten youngsters have died in two-wheeler accidents across different districts. While not all accidents are caused by overspeeding, it often prevents riders from reacting quickly and avoiding danger.

Some people overspeed because they fear being late. Others do so in a hurry to reach home. There are also those who ride at high speed without any real reason. It is important to start journeys on time, have a clear idea of how long it will take to reach safely at a proper speed, and strictly follow all traffic rules, including speed limits. Even if you drive carefully, another person’s negligence at high speed can cost you your life. When you drive too fast, you may lose control over your vehicle and the road. Beyond rules, one must also think about the value of life and the family waiting at home. As accidents due to overspeeding continue to increase, there is an urgent need for strong awareness campaigns among youngsters. This should be led by all concerned government departments.