Not fine with fines : The Tribune India

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Not fine with fines

Such a hue and cry over the amount to be paid for violations under the amended Motor Vehicles Act!

Not fine with fines


H. Kishie Singh

Such a hue and cry over the amount to be paid for violations under the amended Motor Vehicles Act! From the CMs to the common man, everyone seems to have a problem. My French-Canadian friend would call them ‘diputs.’ It’s a French-Canadian word; will explain it later!

So, the CMs are saying: “Go ahead and break the rules; we will fine you less!” It still gives the rouge driver the right to break rules. He will be still be a killer on the roads.

The high amount is the whole purpose of these fines; these should act as deterrent. A lower fine would mean that the rogue driver/rider would have no fear of the law. A very sad comment on part of our leaders.  A wasted exercise by Parliament.

This is a fact that, in India, if you take a contra view, you try to pass off as an intellectual. We must ask ourselves what was the purpose of this Act. We all know the answer is to save lives. India’s road fatality rate is the highest in the world. Those belittling the Act do not seem to have taken cognisance of this fact. Is this the price of a human life?

Let’s come to the driver. Let’s face it that he is utterly indisciplined and has no respect for the law or anyone else on the road. The point of increased fines is to instil fear in him. Then there is the kaka’s macho streak. One had written behind the SUV, “Die like a Man, No Airbags!” This breed won’t listen to reason. Another reason that the fine amount won’t pinch kaka ji’s pocket is that daddy ji is paying. I am referring to youngsters who will not wear helmets and are habitual red light jumpers stopping on zebra crossings, overspeeding, overtaking on the left, driving and phoning. Since the fine amount is no deterrent, I would recommend a jail sentence if the same rule is broken for the third time. That would be a deterrent. Other deterrents: No insurance claim entertained if not wearing a helmet, seatbelt not fastened, driving in the wrong direction and all the other contraventions of the Act.

India has a unique problem. Normally, a pedestrian is taught how to cross a road. Stop, look left, then look right, then left again and then cross. This is for a street with two-way traffic. India is the only country where you have to look in both directions while crossing a one-way street. Incredible India!

Let’s think of a way to avoid these fines. Did you jump a red light? No! Did you stop on a zebra crossing? No! Did you drive without a helmet? No! 

If your answer is no, you have nothing to fear. You are a good and responsible driver. See, how very easy it is to not be a rogue driver.

Coming back to where we began... So, the fines are too high and they want them lowered. I wonder why they want to pay the fine in the first place? Believe me, it is not mandatory to pay these fines. You can simply behave yourself, be disciplined, show respect and regard for all else on the road. Simply learn to obey the traffic rules and you won’t have to pay even a paisa!

Getting back to explaining the French-Canadian word ‘Diputs’. It is stupid spelt backwards! Figure that one out.

Happy Motoring!

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