Road Accidents on Highways

Until recently, I used to read about people getting killed or severely injured in road accidents and used to imagine what action on part of killed and killer would have led to the incident. While going on a road trip to another city, I was amazed to see how rashly people drive on highways where most of them are not even maintaining decent distance between vehicles and are driving with speed limit 2 times higher than what is recommended. Overtaking happens just few inches away from vehicle in front ! It is amazing to see how thrill of speeding overtakes any safety concerns for family or friends accompanying the person driving. Or is it proven ability of handling speed driving which boosts confidence. Confidence,which over period of time feeds itself, grows unchecked until something fatal happens.

You will see truck drivers or some young car driver intentionally blocking your way, stopping you from overtaking. Imagine this scene when both are driving at 120-30 speed. A truck guy has nothing to lose as (a) vehicle is not his (b) even if he kills someone, he can run off and abscond (c) hardly have any feelings. A truck driver can be categorized as someone who is rustic and has no formal education whereas people who play on the highway with these truck drivers are educated,owner of the vehicle and having family who is dear to them. Still men like to take up challenge of playing with the truck drivers by putting everything they have at risk. I find it extremely difficult to understand why educated human beings would like to risk everything they have for the pleasure of winning over a truck driver or any other maniac who wants to play the fool with you on the road !

People blame government for lack of infrastructure but have you noticed how many people really value signboards put up on highways by the government to ensure safety of people on the road? Does speeding and feeling of control of vehicle an ego booster for men or is it just over-confidence at one's ability?

In a country like India, where rules are meant to be broken, animals dart across whenever they feel like, people crosss without thinking twice, vehicles come in opposite direction, people decide to stop their vehicle not off the road but on the road , speeding at more than 100 and touching 140 is sure trip to death. If you are one of those who speed and are still alive, it is not because of your driving skills or presence of mind but because God has been with you and you have been plain lucky so far !!