No, don’t jaywalk

As I progressed from a sedan to an SUV last week, I recalled the rollercoaster journey with various modes of vehicles that I have had the pleasure to steer. A firm grip on the handle that takes you from point A to B goes a long way in boosting your confidence in getting a grip on life. But no matter what, one should never forget that great gift that propels you forward: your feet. So, no jaywalking. 

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First there was the Hero bicycle of the school days, of which one never seemed to have enough. The joy from riding the bike, scouring the neighbourhood streets, racing with friends and siblings remains unparalleled. No amount of turbo-charged models can quite charge you up enough to get out of the house in that searing sun. But, you give way to a biker too, no jaywalking. The first motorised possession was the humble ‘moped’ that saw me zoom through college and university days. One felt like the queen of the geri route (Chandigarh’s streets around the college and varsity area frequented by youngsters). Its best part was that if it broke down, one could just load it on to a rickshaw and sit pretty along with it! Yet still, no jaywalking.

Then came the scooter, the first vehicle that I financed myself, with my first pay in 1992. Soon after, the little hatchback propelled me into the then rarefied air of car owners. Now, of course, the air is not only crowded but also polluted, with vehicle explosion. Here, I strongly believe that the government must ensure no vehicle without proper emission norms is sold, rather than putting the onus on buyers and applying brakes on their choice. Lack of a proper public transport along with the habit of independence of mobility developed since childhood ensured that it was impossible to be ever ‘be-caar’. Still, jaywalking was a no-no. The next, a sedan, in 2001, gave me a new confidence. The following year, I was emboldened enough to join the car rally for women organised by Maruti. Using the speed-time-distance formula, the marshals with their speed governors kept a strict watch on the safe driving skills of lady rallyists and their navigators. In the evening, over dinner, the names of the winners were announced. Number 3, number 2, and I thought no luck for me, let me go relish the jalebi. As I turned to fill me plate, I heard my name being announced for number 1.  I had safe-driven to win. It had come naturally to me, having never indulged in rashness on road and been a conscientious driver. Perhaps, that’s what had held me in good stead. As also that little, but important, fact of jaywalkers.

So, what’s this jaywalking? It is to cross or walk in the street or the road unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic. Jay in the colloquial sense means ‘silly person’. Jaywalking is a common dangerous practice on our roads, often costing lives. There is dire need for not only motorists to slow down for the walkers, but also the pedestrians to follow road rules. The “Stop, Look, Go” sign is meant to be adhered to. It’s no mere showpiece. But, we seem to interpret it as “Don’t Walk, Go, Jaywalk”. If we safe-crosswalk, only then will all of us be kings of the road. 

Not just by being behind the wheel of a hulk or darting past hulks without a care. Use the zebra crossing — the crosswalk painted in stripe pattern. I remember one of the first lessons in kindergarten was “look to the left, look to the right, look to the left again and cross the road if there is no traffic”. In England, children are taught The Green Cross Code that says “Stop, Look, Listen, and Think” when crossing a road.  This is superior to the “Stop, Look, and Listen” jingle that children in the US are taught since it lacks the critical “think” bit. By the way, did you know that the Germans top in road manners? Even in the middle of the night, with not a vehicle in sight, they assiduously wait for the signal to turn green and glare at anyone daring to flout the rule with the admonition: “What are you teaching your children?” And us? Look out for a cop. If he’s not there, jaywalk…or ‘jaydrive’. We need to change. Please drive safe. 

hkhetal@gmail.com