It has been heartening that in a country where safety on the road seemingly didn't matter to anyone, is now front and centre. And it has all happened in a relatively short span of about 10 months. Is it simply that in a country teeming with millions, like society we as individuals also had no value of human life? Or is it that people didn't really stop and think - or worse - know any better? Its safe to say that It is probably a combination of those three, coupled with the great traditional belief that if I am good, no harm will come to me!
Be that as it may, the moves from the govt to standardise safety must be applauded. It is positive to hear messages like these from policy makers, after years of hearing nothing but apathy and disinterest. I still remember how disappointed I felt when about 3 years ago, we had discussions with policy makers about the future of the automobile industry. After hearing my thoughts, the senior bureaucrat had simply said - the ideas on manufacturing and job creation are interesting, 'par yeh safety-wafety to aap rehne hi do', lets not waste the minister's time. Really? Is it a waste of time to try and bring down the death rate from 377/day on our roads?
Is it a waste of time to remind consumers that instead of that fancy sunroof or music system, it's the child restraints that may save their children's lives? Is it a waste of time to ensure that there are paramedic services which can be relied upon to be swift and effective after an accident? Is it a waste of time to make sure our public transport has drivers who are trained and qualified?
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