MVD in a Shakespearean dilemma as vehicles throw traffic rules to the wind

Despite repeated fatal accidents caused by oversized goods vehicles on the roads of the State, the Motor Vehicle Department appears to be in a quandary over whether to fine offenders or permit them to continue this practice on humanitarian grounds. Posting a social media post depicting the picture of an oversized goods vehicle with dangerously protruding goods beyond the body frame, the MVD sought public opinion on whether to fine the offender or permit the driver to continue the practice on humanitarian grounds.

The post says, “What to do? What should be done! If this vehicle is booked and fined, it is an offence to pay a fine of ₹20,000 as per the motor vehicle law. If fined, there will be complaints and grievances, like not allowing them to live or harassing those who work hard! What if we don’t stop it anymore? This will definitely endanger the lives of passengers in other vehicles, especially two-wheelers, and hapless pedestrians. Public comments are invited to know how society views or treats this issue, the post says.

Although the department is in a Shakespearean dilemma like “To be, or not to be?”, the public who commented under the post seems to have no such dilemma. The offenders should be punished by slapping a fine as human lives are more precious and valuable than the price of the load. There were a slew of instances to point out the seriousness of the violation. Among the accidents, the heart-wrenching accident took place at Thrithallur in Thrissur on February 5, 2003. 

Around nine lives were lost on the spot when a truck with an extra-wide timber load rammed into a private bus coming from Wayanad to Kottyam in the wee hours of February 5. All nine people were killed as the protruding logs hit the chests and heads of the victims. It seems, despite the repeated accidents, the department has not learnt any valuable lessons from them.