June 25: Good traffic sense inculcated early in life can save hundreds of lives from avoidable road accidents, according to Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Dr P S Pasricha.

``You may only live once but parents have to think twice before allowing their teenage children to have a free run of their imported four wheelers.'' the senior police official stated while addressing the Ladies' Wing of the Indian Merchants' Chamber here on Wednesday speaking about his book `You only live once - a guide to road safety'.

But since teachers also have a role in moulding children, schools in Maharashtra are likely to start lessons on traffic rules and road safety in the present academic year, informed Pasricha. ``We sometimes, may be inadvertently, promote wrong habits in our children, thinking that kids would emulate only the good actions,'' he said. It is the small things that matter when it comes to being practical and sensible, he stressed.

Each year in India, over three lakh accidents take place in which 60,000 die and 2.5 lakh are injured. Most of these accidents occur on the National Highways and the 23 metropolitan towns alone account for 50 per cent of all accidents. ``It is immaterial whether an accident is small or big,'' said Pasricha, ``you only live once and you would not want to robbed of that chance half way through.'' After his talk Pasricha was barraged with questions from concerned mothers present. ``What should one do about all the negligent drivers of cars and buses who do not care about school kids?'' asked one mother. ``In the western countries it is a rule to halt one's vehicle if one finds a school child crossing the road,'' informed another. Pasricha said he has also instructed, police officials, not to force a witness of an accident victim to reveal his identity if he is unwilling to do so. It is more important that he brings the victim in the first place.

Besides it is obligatory for the owner of a vehicle to take the injured to the nearest doctor or hospital. ``Even a private doctor has to provide first aid treatment,'' added Pasricha.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.