Say Yes to ‘No’! 

While reporting news during Covid, one police officer told me that more number of people die in road accidents every year than pandemic. But unfortunately, it is still not taken that seriously. People religiously followed Covid protocols like wearing mask, sanitising hands, social distancing, etc. Then why can’t people follow driving protocols like wearing helmet, seat belt, carrying driving license, avoid drinking and driving, overspeeding, late night travels etc?

The juvenile road accident which happened in Pune recently can happen in Thane or any part of the world. Allowing a 17-year old, without a driving license to drive the vehicle sans a number plate, in wee hours, is totally unacceptable.

It is necessary to say NO at times to prevent such mishaps. But are parents finding it difficult to restrict their children? Are they losing their bargaining power or are children overpowering them? Why are children finding more bliss outside of home than inside? We believe if saying no to children is vital then saying no to office work at home place, saying no to mobile and screens during our family time is also equally important. But how many of us are practising it?

If everybody wants ‘Me’ time then what about ‘Our’ time? When was the last time we went on a date with our children? Spending some quality time with them, knowing their views, opinions, issues and desires is crucial. Such bonding helps and creates attachment. Being over ambitious may increase our asset side of balance sheet but at the same time may also increase the liablity side of family’s emotional position.

In Thane, though the fatalities have decreased, the road accidents are on the rise. Last year, 203 people died in road accidents. So, almost every alternate day we have one death that is alarming and needs to be taken more seriously. To imbibe traffic safety we at Thanevaibhav and KYT had carried out many interesting initiatives directed towards adolescents and youth. Some of them were, making the mannequins in apparel shops wear helmets which created curiosity among many, and distributing Diwali greeting cards to auto-rickshaw drivers by the hands of passengers and requesting them to drive more safely. Such ideas were warmly welcomed by Thanekars. In pursuit of making our city safe and sound, let’s come together and try to prevent such cases in our city and protect our assets.