Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: The devastating crash of a Volvo XC90 SUV near Bengaluru, which claimed the lives of six family members, has raised significant concerns about the limitations of car safety amidst poor road conditions and reckless driving. The accident, which occurred on the Nelamangala-Tumkuru highway, has triggered widespread discussion on social media, emphasizing the need for safer roads, responsible driving, and effective traffic regulations.
The victims, identified as Chandram Yegapagol (48), his wife Gourabai (42), their son Gyan (16), daughter Deeksha (12), sister-in-law Vijayalakshmi (36), and her daughter Arya (6), were traveling to Sangli, Maharashtra, to visit Chandram’s father. Chandram, the CEO of Bengaluru-based IAST Software Solutions, had purchased the SUV just two months ago.
Sequence of the Tragedy
The accident occurred when a container truck carrying aluminum jumped the divider and crushed the Volvo SUV. The truck driver, Arif, claimed he lost control after attempting to avoid another vehicle that braked suddenly. He swerved to the right, causing the truck to cross the divider and collide with the SUV. Arif has been booked for rash driving and death by negligence.
Police stated that Chandram was driving responsibly and was not at fault. The incident required six cranes to lift the heavily loaded truck off the crushed vehicle to recover the victims’ bodies.
Debate on Road Safety
The crash has reignited conversations about road safety on social media. A user from DriveSmart, a platform promoting responsible driving, emphasized, “Safe roads, safe drivers, and safe cars are equally essential for preventing such tragedies. Even the safest cars like Volvo can’t guarantee survival if roads and driving behavior are not addressed.”
While Volvo is renowned for its high safety standards, experts and users pointed out that no car could withstand the impact of a container truck. Many have called for stricter regulations to ensure heavy vehicles are operated responsibly, tagging Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to address road safety concerns.
India’s Alarming Road Safety Record
The accident comes amidst grim statistics on road safety in India. According to government data, over 1.7 lakh people died in road accidents last year, equating to 470 deaths daily. A majority of these victims were aged between 18 and 34 years.
In the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, Mr. Gadkari candidly acknowledged the failure to reduce road accidents, stating, “Forget reducing accidents; the numbers have increased. At international conferences, I feel ashamed and try to hide my face.”
The minister stressed the need for societal change and adherence to traffic laws to prevent such incidents.
A Call for Action
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for an integrated approach to road safety. Improved infrastructure, enforcement of traffic laws, driver education, and technological interventions must work hand-in-hand to make Indian roads safer.
