Road rage in Guwahati has taken a disturbing turn in recent years, with a noticeable increase in aggressive and reckless driving on the streets. This shift in driver behaviour has become impossible to ignore and has reached a point where what was once an infrequent occurrence is now a daily reality. The rising prevalence of road rage is reminiscent of a contagion spreading rapidly throughout the city’s traffic. In some tragic instances, these incidents have even resulted in fatalities.
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From personal observations, it is clear that the transformation in driving behaviour is both alarming and concerning. A big part of this issue is the increasing stress levels among people. People often take out their frustrations on the road, where minor conflicts quickly spiral into full-blown aggression. Acts such as speeding and engaging in verbal or physical confrontations are becoming more common, further deteriorating the safety conditions on the streets of Guwahati. This constant state of tension and aggression creates a toxic environment on the roads, leaving everyone feeling stressed, making daily commutes a stressful, unsafe experience for everyone involved.
There’s no denying that road rage is undeniably influenced by various factors, including poorly maintained roads, and chaotic traffic management. However, these environmental factors only seem to expose a deeper societal problem—an increasing lack of self-control and a tendency to resolve conflicts through aggression. Unfortunately, it seems society has become numb to the violence on our streets. Passers-by often respond by recording incidents rather than stepping in to ease the situation. This behaviour not only fuels further confrontation but also highlights a concerning indifference to the potential consequences of such actions.
What’s worse is the lack of a proper legal framework to address road rage incidents. Currently, proactive measures to prevent these confrontations are limited, often only triggered by serious incidents such as injuries or fatalities.
To effectively curb this growing issue, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes the implementation of stricter laws with severe penalties for road rage offenses, ranging from hefty fines to license suspensions and, in severe cases, imprisonment. Furthermore, the installation of CCTV surveillance at critical intersections and along major thoroughfares will enhance law enforcement capabilities, enabling the identification and prosecution of offenders while acting as a deterrent to potential violators.
However, the solution to this problem isn't solely up to authorities; we all need to play our part. We should focus on safety rather than speed, practice patience, and avoid responding to aggressive drivers with aggression. Road rage is a serious danger to everyone, and it’s time we work together to make our roads safer and more peaceful for all.
(All views and opinions expressed are author's own)