Pune city alone has around 19 lakh two-wheelers, and a survey shows that, every single day, two lives are lost owing to irrational and drunk driving. People are seen driving at exorbitant speed without wearing a helmet, and when caught, are found arguing with the traffic officials. PuneSite understands the gravity of the situation and makes a regular attempt to publish news that generates awareness among the masses on traffic rules and helps to save precious human lives.

In a development, a ‘Two-Wheeler Association’ has been formed in Pune that will help to reduce the rate of accidents by generating more awareness about safe-driving among two-wheeler riders. The association is currently on the look-out for volunteers to serve the cause.

“More than 600 riders have already been registered with the Association. Statistics show that more than 30 lakh vehicles hit the road every day in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the Association aims to bring down the rate of accidents in the twin city. Vehicular pollution, irresponsible driving, ignorance to vehicle-insurance, and other important issues like helmet compulsion are on the list of Association’s agenda,’ informed Association’s founder president Hemant Mali.

The Association shall remain active within the states of Maharashtra and Goa, and, till date, it has conducted a number of awareness camps, distributed pamphlets among the citizens, and has

organized lectures on various traffic-related issues.

“Divisional officials will be appointed in the twin cities for better action Applications have been invited from those who are good in public relations and are interested in social work. We hope that people will come forward and support our cause,”he added.

The divisional officials for Dhankawadi, Bibvewadi, Katraj, Sahakarnagar, Deccan, Shivajinagar, Khadki, Swargate, Tilak Road, Baner, Pashan, Aundh, University of Pune, Hadapsar, Sadashiv Peth, Vishrantwadi, Camp, Koregaon Park, Yerawada, Pune Station, Pimpri, Chinchwad and Akurdi will be appointed.

“Pune has a dismal public transport facility and that induces people to buy a two or four-wheeler vehicle. Traffic cops are also not strict enough, and they remain mostly busy taking bribes rather controlling the traffic. This Association will certainly prove to be a boon for Puneites and will help to bring down the number of accident cases in the city,” feels Shree Gupta, a resident of Khadki.

- Siddhartha Laik