GUWAHATI: The road accident at Guwahati’s Lalmati on Wednesday, April 9, involving a dumper and a two-wheeler that claimed the life of two persons (not couple as was earlier reported) has sparked outrage among the public. A month ago, in a similar incident a cyclist and a motorist lost their lives when a dumper collided with them. The city witnessed at least five accidents since January involving dumpers.
ALSO READ: Gauhati Bar Association President Seeks Recusal Of Judge In Contempt Case Against Advocates
"These monsters drive at great speed all the time, so accidents are a natural consequence," said a resident. "And, now, with so much construction activity in the city the number of dumpers has also gone up raising the threat level," he said adding that police must rein them in to avoid more blood-spill on the roads.
However, speaking to GPlus, a senior police official said, “It’s sad that accidents are happening. But we cannot blame dumpers or large vehicles alone. Sometimes it can be the fault of the rider also. What if a rider at high speed takes a sudden turn, and just then a vehicle comes from the other side…Anything can happen. We are trying our best to avoid such incidents. We also urge the public to drive safe and cautiously. Moreover, we are also enforcing strict rules for large vehicles such as dumpers, green buses and trucks.” Talking about the the Lalmati accident, he said, “we are investigating cases of accidents jointly along with NHAI, PWD and GMD and will come up with recommendations for the government to mitigate the problem. "
A senior traffic official said, “people don’t follow traffic rules. Some exceed the speed limit, whereas others jump traffic lights. At times people get heavily drunk. And that can cause serious accidents. If we see the large vehicles such as green buses, dumpers and trucks they don’t cooperate, following their own rules."
