EDITORIAL | New traffic rules – an enforcement in the right direction

FROM THE EDITOR's DESK

The district of East Khasi Hills has seen a growth in the number of accidents in the recent past, primarily because of a complete disregard for traffic norms. The administration has taken cognizance of this and now, the traffic police has ramped up operations to check this. It is a much-needed step especially with growing congestion.

It is unfortunate that people have to be forced to understand norms of safety but even then, if strict regulations have to be brought in place, the administration has done so. Traffic violations will now attract heavy penalties and will hopefully discourage citizens from going the extra distance to break a law.

More so, many new regulations have also been brought in. Gone are the days when one could misuse a vehicle’s hazard lights or when one could ride a motorcycle at full-speed without a helmet.

Though progress has been slow, there has been a positive change in the traffic situation, noticeable just in Shillong. As responsible citizens, we need to remember that traffic rules are not made by the government just to earn revenue. It is unfortunate that people end of losing their lives when they fail to follow common safety norms, such as the wearing of helmets and seatbelts.

If we don’t follow traffic rules for our safety, then implementation becomes all the more difficult. Kudos to the traffic police for ensuring safer roads for us.