Police have arrested a private bus driver and conductor in connection with an incident in which a car passenger died in Paravur after being frightened by the provocative behaviour of the bus staff. The deceased is Fort Kochi Chullickal native Fazaluddin, the father of the youth who drove the car. It was an argument and scuffle over not giving way to the bus that resulted in the unfortunate death. According to reports, the problems began when the private bus driver pressurised the car passengers to give way for the bus. Following this, the bus went on to hit the side mirror of the car while overtaking it. Fazaluddin collapsed and died when he saw the bus driver trying to stab his son for questioning the behaviour of the bus staff. The shocking behaviour of the bus driver may have naturally weakened the tender-hearted father. Thus, the 54-year-old man breathed his last. The police have arrested the bus driver and conductor in connection with the incident.

Mishaps like this happen when people forget the reality that public roads belong to both passengers and drivers. We often see people violating all road rules in an attempt to overtake the vehicle in front of them. Small accidents have become common occurrences in the frenzy of getting ahead in any way. Many transport drivers and other vehicle owners have been subjected to physical assault on public roads for not giving way. Those who are trying to attract people's attention by showing stunts on the road do not remember that they are gambling with the lives of innocent people. Although there are laws to deal with such people, the officials rarely take action against them. It arises from the feeling that why get into unnecessary troubles.

There are too many vehicles running on the public roads in the state. Most of these roads are barely wide enough for two vehicles to cross each other. If there is an obstruction anywhere on the road, it will take a long time to solve the traffic problem. Things often go awry when an impatient few sets out on an adventure. A lot of time was lost due to traffic restrictions imposed in connection with the Shobha Yatra. The private bus was overtaking the vehicles ahead while trying to make up for the lost time. However, none of this can be cited as a reason to violate the law or attack car passengers. There is absolutely no justification for bus drivers threatening others with knives. Such people should be strictly restricted.

Just like our roads, it cannot be said that those who drive vehicles on them follow road rules or road culture. In terms of road culture, we have to say we are way behind some of the countries we consider uncivilized.