Friday, 8 November 2024

Lives lost in road accidents

 Q. Many road accidents culminates (ends) in deaths, due to non-availability of swift medical care. Reluctance (unwillingness, अनिच्‍छा) of the public to react practically to such situations could be counted as a valid reason. Draft an article pondering on other flaws that lead to this state and possible measures to better the prevailing condition. You are Raj/Rajni Sanya, Sub-Editor to the fortnightly magazine, The Citizen.


I.
Curbing the Carnage: Addressing the Urgent Issue of Road Accidents
By: PQR

In our rapidly urbanizing world, the number of vehicles on the road is steadily increasing. With each household owning multiple vehicles, the risk of road accidents has become a pressing concern. The alarming rate of fatalities caused by these accidents demands immediate attention and collective action.

One of the primary reasons for this crisis is the public's apathy towards road accident victims. Instead of offering assistance, many people are content with merely observing the scene or shooting with mobile cameras, often hindering rescue efforts. This lack of empathy and inaction can have dire consequences for the injured.

Another significant factor contributing to road accidents is the growing impatience and recklessness among drivers. The constant rush to reach destinations, often disregarding traffic rules and regulations, has resulted in numerous accidents. Furthermore, the delayed arrival of medical assistance, due to various factors such as traffic congestion and inadequate emergency services, exacerbates the situation.

To mitigate this growing problem, we must foster a culture of empathy and responsibility. By actively helping accident victims and ensuring timely medical attention, we can save countless lives. Each individual has the power to make a difference by taking prompt action and reporting accidents to the authorities.

It is imperative that we prioritize road safety and implement stricter regulations to deter reckless driving. Additionally, investing in robust infrastructure and efficient emergency services can significantly reduce the severity of accidents and improve response times.
Let us work together to create a safer road environment for everyone. By adopting a proactive approach and demonstrating compassion, we can curb the carnage on our roads and build a future free from the tragic consequences of road accidents.

Vocabulary:–
Carnage: the violent killing of a large number of people.
Steadily: regular and even (equal) manner
Fatalities: deaths cause by accidents.
Apathy: lack of interest
Empathy: ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Inaction: lack of action
Dire: terrible, dreadful, very bad or serious
exacerbates: to make something worse specially disease or problem; बिगाड़ देना
Robust: strong
Severity: condition of something being extremely bad or serious.
Proactive: taking actions in advance to prevent issues
approach: viewpoint, angle नजरिया
tragic: that makes you very sad, especially because it involves death

II.
Road accidents are a major cause of concern in our country, not just because of the damage they cause to vehicles and roads, but also because of the precious lives they claim. According to a report by the World Health Organization, India accounts for nearly 11% of road accident deaths globally, making it the highest among all countries. What is even more alarming is the fact that a large number of these fatalities could have been avoided if timely medical care had been provided.

One of the major flaws that contribute to this unfortunate situation is the reluctance of the public to react practically in such situations. It is a common sight to see people gathering around an accident site, but instead of helping the victims, they choose to take pictures and videos on their phones. This not only reflects the insensitivity of people but also delays the arrival of medical aid. In many cases, people are also hesitant to take the injured to a hospital, fearing legal complications and police involvement.

Another factor that adds to the problem is the lack of awareness and training among the public on how to provide basic first aid in case of an accident. Many people do not know how to administer CPR or stop bleeding, which could make a huge difference in saving a life. This lack of knowledge and preparedness often leads to panic and confusion, resulting in further delay in medical assistance. Moreover, the inadequate number of ambulances and trained paramedics in our country also adds to the problem. In many cases, ambulances take a long time to reach the accident site, and in some remote areas, they are not available at all. This delay in reaching the hospital can prove to be fatal, especially in cases where the victims have suffered severe injuries.

To improve the prevailing condition, it is imperative that we address these flaws and take necessary measures. First and foremost, there is a need to create awareness among the general public on the importance of providing timely medical care to accident victims. Government and non-government organizations can conduct training programs to educate people on basic first aid techniques. Schools and colleges can also include first aid training in their curriculum to equip the younger generation with life-saving skills. Secondly, there is an urgent need for the government to invest in improving the emergency medical services in the country. This includes increasing the number of ambulances and trained paramedics, especially in remote areas. The government can also consider implementing a system of rewards and incentives for individuals or organizations that provide timely medical assistance to accident victims.

In conclusion, it is high time that we, as a society, take responsibility for our actions and do our part in improving the state of road accidents in our country. It is not just the responsibility of the government or medical professionals but also of every citizen to ensure that timely medical care is provided to accident victims. Let us pledge to be more sensitive, aware, and prepared to save lives in the face of a road accident. After all, a life saved is a life gained.

III. "Road Accidents: A Call for Active Citizen Response"
By:

Road accidents have become a major concern in today's fast-paced world. With the growing number of vehicles on the road, the risk of accidents has also increased. According to a report by the World Health Organization, road accidents claim around 1.35 million lives every year globally, making it the leading cause of death among young adults aged 15-29 years.

While there are various factors that contribute to road accidents, one of the major reasons for the high number of fatalities is the lack of swift medical care. It is a common sight to see people passing by an accident scene without lending a helping hand. The reluctance of the public to react practically to such situations is a major flaw that leads to the loss of precious lives. People are often hesitant to get involved in the fear of legal hassles, lack of knowledge on how to provide first aid, or simply assuming someone else will take care of the situation. Moreover, the infrastructure for emergency medical care is also inadequate in many places. The availability of ambulances and trained medical personnel at the accident site is crucial in saving lives. However, in many cases, the ambulance takes too long to reach the spot due to traffic congestion or lack of proper routes. This delay in medical help can prove fatal for the victims.

Apart from the lack of public response and inadequate infrastructure, there are other flaws that contribute to the high number of deaths in road accidents. One of them is the lack of awareness and education among people about road safety. Many people are not aware of basic traffic rules and regulations, which often leads to reckless driving and accidents. Moreover, the absence of strict enforcement of traffic laws also adds to the problem.

To better the prevailing condition, it is imperative that we, as responsible citizens, take active steps towards road safety. Firstly, it is crucial to educate ourselves and others about traffic rules and road safety measures. This can be done through awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars. The government must also focus on improving the infrastructure for emergency medical care, including the availability of ambulances and trained medical personnel. In addition, it is essential to encourage and incentivize citizens to provide first aid in case of accidents. This can be done by offering rewards or recognition to those who have actively helped in saving lives during road accidents. The government must also ensure strict enforcement of traffic laws and impose penalties for violations to deter reckless driving.

In conclusion, road accidents are a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. It is our responsibility as citizens to actively respond to such situations and take measures to prevent them. We must educate ourselves and others about road safety measures, and the government must improve the infrastructure for emergency medical care. By working together, we can make our roads safer and save countless lives.

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