Tragic loss of promising Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda at just 35
The Tribune Editorial: Reports say he was wearing a helmet, yet succumbed to serious injuries after his bike skidded on a road in Himachal Pradesh.
THE tragic death of promising Punjabi actor and singer Rajvir Jawanda at just 35, days after a horrific road accident, is a reminder that even precautions like wearing a helmet can sometimes prove inadequate when road safety is neglected all around. Reports say he was wearing a helmet, yet succumbed to serious injuries after his bike skidded on a road in Himachal Pradesh. His death has reignited public anguish over India’s dismal road-safety record. Incidentally, this concern was echoed by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, which has directed all states and union territories to frame comprehensive road-safety rules within six months. India accounts for nearly 13 per cent of global road-accident deaths. Every hour, 17 people die on roads. The causes are familiar: poor enforcement, badly maintained highways, reckless driving, and the indifference of both motorists and authorities. Helmets and seat belts help, but they cannot offset the risks created by potholes, overspeeding and the absence of emergency care. The ‘chalta hai’ attitude on roads continues to kill commuters.
