Date:19/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/19/stories/2008121958910300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Rash driving major cause for accidents

Staff Reporter

1,925 accidents reported in 2007
Two-wheelers involved in 24% of fatal accidents

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Overtaking through the left side, riding without helmets, speeding and rash driving are the main causes for most accidents involving two-wheelers in the city, according to police officials.

In 2007, as many as 1,925 accidents were reported in the city. Nearly 150 people lost their lives and 1,547 suffered grievous injuries. A considerable number of them were two-wheeler riders, mostly youngsters on powerful new-age motorcycles and a section riding two-stroke motorbikes altered for more power.

This year, till November 30, as many as 134 persons have been killed and 1,312 seriously injured in 1,634 accidents in the city.

A National Traffic Planning and Research Centre official said at least 24 per cent of the fatal accidents reported in the city involved two-wheelers. About 70 per cent of deaths in accidents involving bikes and scooters were caused due to head-injury which could have been prevented had the victims worn helmets.

He said two-wheeler riders in the age group of 16 to 25 were among those who met with accidents due to speeding and rash driving.

A police official said some two-wheeler workshops in the city specialised in altering motorbikes for speed. The demand for faster bikes is driven by a section of youth who have a passion for racing on beaches, dirt roads and urban stretches. Two-stroke motorbikes are fitted with expansion chambers (exhaust chargers) to increase their speed.

The power and performance of motorbikes are also bettered by tinkering with the engine, commonly by increasing the piston and cylinder size and modifying the transmission mechanism.

The police said that such alterations not intended by the original manufacturer are a breach of the Motor Vehicle Rules. One official said that speedsters often modify the shock absorbers of their motorbikes. The length of the inner tubes of the front shock absorbers is increased to suit the rough riding conditions on dirt tracks. .

The traffic police do not have powerful two wheelers to chase and intercept speedsters who break rules. It lacks a speed sensing radar and sufficient men to enforce traffic rules efficiently.