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Some autodrivers unhappy. Say it could embarrass their well-to-do children

In an attempt to bring down the number of autorickshaw accidents in Mangalore, senior inspector (motor vehicles) G S Hegde has asked auto drivers to place a small family picture in their vehicles. “This will enhance their sense of responsibility towards passengers and help them to remain alert and drive safely, “ he said at an interaction with auto drivers as part of the Road Safety Week.

 
Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, he said, this is a suggestion or a request made to the auto drivers. Making a law will be difficult as the proposal may receive objections. “My request is to carry a small 8x5 cm family picture which is visible only to the auto driver. A similar attempt was made in Tamil Nadu some time back. This will give the auto drivers a feeling that the passengers are like his family and he should feel responsible for them.”
 
Hegde said carrying family pictures may bring down the accident rate by 10 per cent. It is natural to feel responsible and an urge to go home safely when one sees pictures of their dear ones.
 
Reacting to the suggestion, Jaideep Hosabettu, an auto driver near Mangaladevi temple, said: “I have seen an autodriver who has kept his mother’s picture in the auto. I feel the RTO can implement the same on a trial basis. If the results are positive then can make it a rule, “ he said.
 
Many auto drivers at the Ladyhill auto park are not happy with the suggestion. Haridas Pai said, “Our safety is in our hands. There is a possibility that the passenger may pick up a conversation on seeing the picture and distract the driver.”
 
Harish, another autodriver, said, “I do not think there is going to be any difference by placing a photo. Moreover, some of our children are in a good position today. They may feel embarrassed if their friends spot their photo in an auto,” he said.
 
Jeevan said, “There are several problems that need to be addressed. Especially car drivers using mobiles while driving as well as two-wheelers overtaking from the left.”