Sunday, January 29, 2012

Take care, not chances

There are few things that make me really angry. Somewhere on the top of the chart are callous actions of people who put their own lives at risk. Even worse, are the actions of people who put others life at risk. But an event I witnessed over the weekend made me re-think about my whole definition of callousness.

Imagine a busy street, really busy street. All you can hear are the noises of buzzing cars and screeching tyres. While driving down that street, I notice a young mother swiftly manoeuvring her 4-wheeler through busy traffic. Only a slight problem though, that 4-wheeler happens to be a pram! What are Mom, Baby and a Pram doing on a busy road? Don't get me wrong, there is a neatly-laid, well-marked, pedestrian walkway running parallel to their flight-path.

As if these antics were not enough, I was appalled to see the toddler was not even strapped properly on to the buggy. Just when I thought I had seen it all, the duo (or trio should I say) makes an even more daring move. Weaving through a barrage of impatient SUVs and jumping the median, they somehow get to the other side. They then continue their journey - no, not through neatly-laid, well-marked, pedestrian walkway on the other side, but on the road.

The Mom looked in a hurry and the baby who was stretching herself out of the pram seemed to enjoy the ride. I am sure they had something very important to do, was running late and was in a rush to exit the busy road as fast as anyone could. But really, is it worth risking your life for saving a couple of minutes?

Jaywalking may come across as a harmless act of darting across the road. Here in Dubai, jaywalking is illegal and would burn a hole in your pocket should you get caught. But the real point is more straightforward - it is just not worth it! And remember, our big city is not really known for careful and considerate drivers. Take care, not chances.

48 comments:

  1. The situation, I'm sure you know, is even worse in India. People who drive & ride here have to be careful to avoid hitting careless jaywalkers, because the former are always blamed.

    Very well penned. This problem, if not addressed, causes a lot of harm & damage.

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    1. Vishal I agree you can teach the kids at school to address the issue but what about their parents who do these mistakes and put their kids at risk??

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  2. True. It so not worth it. In India the problem is the other way round as rightly said by Vishal.

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    1. Madhusha I have been a witness to the situation on Indian roads and after this incident I am going to be more conscious on the roads from now on.

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  3. A good post... In India, such things (maybe, not a baby & pram) happen almost daily on every road. As a driver, one has 'expect the unexpected' and be extra cautious here....

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    1. Yes Nisha the baby and pram was the most infuriating part. I think all of us have learned to live with it but when I see instances like these I feel there is a need for all of us to be more attentive.

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  4. O_o
    What to say..."Mera Bharat Mahaan"...number #1 in every such possible thing...!!!

    well strange to see that some other countries are there who're trying to compete India... ;)

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  5. Ah wonderful post :)
    true to some extent :)
    Dee..

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  6. You know what the funny thing is? This very minute when I am reading your post, there are people just outside my hostel room jaywalking and jumping signals on the road at their will. I have been living in patna for 3 years, and I have seen enough accidents for a lifetime here.
    The story is same everywhere.

    Good attempt. Appreciate the effort :)

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    1. Devan The idea was to remind myself and others what a small mistake like could lead upto .. thanks a lot for stopping by ..

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  7. I guess life is the most precious thing in this world.
    And most of the times it is lost because of a minute error.
    I wish people could understand what you have written :)

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    1. Very true Abhishek ... I learnt this very early in life when i was about 8-9yrs old and met with a small accident .. Thankfully I got away with minor injuries and nothing else.

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  8. its India....
    nice post

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  9. i agree with you. traffic is considered a religion abroad but in India people have no traffic sense at all. so we have to be careful and should not take chances while on the move!!!

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    1. I agree we all have to conscious as drivers or as pedestrians ..

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  10. For me personally,

    "The Chaos" that is also called as the Indian Traffic, hits home the hardest when one has lived for a few years outside the Country.

    When we are in India, everyone seems to be lethargic with a Go with the Flow "Chalta hai" attitude.

    And when we Indians get to witness how seriously and strictly the people in other countries take their traffic rules, it usually amazes us all.

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    1. Shirjeet - Very true .. on a usual day such an incident by just an adult would not disturb me but putting a child at risk raged .. we are all tuned to the chalta hai attitude but think about it if that's enough? For me it's not ..

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  11. OK.. my opinion..
    Going by your post, it must have taken at least 3 to 5 mins for the lady to cross the road. Weren't you driving ?? If yes, then I assume you couldn't move forward due to heavy traffic.. So, the vehicles are moving very very slow. In this case, I don't see any problem in crossing the road..

    btw appreciate your concern towards safety..

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    1. Raja - the funny bit is the traffic was moving, the moment lady seized a small window of opportunity dashed across waited a few seconds on the median and did the same again ..

      I see your point too in standing traffic it wouldn't have seemed as a big issue to me too.

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  12. mm hmm.. This lady is a bad example,, hope no other mom had seen her crossing the road.

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  13. As a parent it definitely enrages me to this kind of neglect. I am just glad that both the mom and the baby were safe.

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    1. Swapna di exactly my feelings .. i hope everyone reading this will spare an extra minute on their safety ..

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  14. indeed prevention is better than cure!

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  15. I am notorious for jaywalking! I have a friend you got a ticket for it.

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  16. Wow! what insight! what analysis!
    I have about 10 adult ducks near my apartment who take care of themselves but I really feel concerned when there are young,vulnerable ducklings...
    Good Post!!

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  17. Wow, you always come up with something worth reading, great post Sangeeta :)

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  18. Jaywalking is fine for most until they get caught, next time they keep an eye until they pay big, and someday down the road, they realize 2-3 minute of extra time is not worth all the hassle. It is a journey if you ask me!

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  19. Hey, just saw yor blog being featured on Blogadda.. Congrats darling :)

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    1. :D thanks again girl ... I was thrilled to see Sangrywords nominated as Notable Newbie

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  20. You've got a nice blog! :)
    Loved this post. Its so true. Apart from putting their lives at risk, imagine the chaos! They may only delay the vehicle by say 10 seconds, but all the vehicles put together, imagine the time lost! And all this in-spite of having the side walk!

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    1. Thanks Kavi .. I am glad you also think like me .. trust me there are not many like us ... cheers

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  21. True Sangeeta, jaywalking with a pram in tow on a busy road sounds like a real bad idea. Perhaps the woman was counting on others taking care of her... the things people do, sigh!

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    1. :) Manreet I guess she was ... thanks for stopping by !!

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  22. Awesomely Awesome words... :D.. Loved it and its so true... I really can't believe a person who writes so well is following me on my blog... Am humbled... and u write so well..

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