‘Drivers, pedestrians should follow traffic rules’

SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills district traffic SP has blamed both reckless driving and irresponsible pedestrians for the frequent accidents in the city.
SP (Traffic) Nangkiew K. Syiem said on Sunday, “There are drivers who are reckless. On the other hand, pedestrians cross the road whichever way they feel like. We have been conducting awareness programmes in colleges and driving schools to make people aware of the importance of traffic rules.”
The zebra crossings on city roads are mere white lines as in most cases drivers do not stop their vehicles when pedestrians are crossing. Syiem said drivers should stop at the zebra lines when a person is crossing.
When asked whether the numerous accidents in the city witnesses are due to the defunct  traffic lights, Syiem said it was the result of reckless driving and added that pedestrians too are not careful and hardly use footpaths. “If they have children, they should be more careful.”