Manually Pulled Rickshaws & Carts
In India, manually pulled three-wheel rickshaws and pull carts are commonly found in various states.
People mostly see these manually pulled rickshaws and carts in tourist areas and nearby locations. They often gather at main road intersections, bus stops, and auto stands in clusters, sometimes causing traffic congestion. Similarly, workers in certain states use pull carts, either handmade or trolley-type.
Both three-wheel rickshaws and pull carts pose a significant risk to both users and operators.
This presents a major challenge for law enforcement and state authorities in regulating or removing them from busy roads.
If you visit India and use these transport modes, it might seem convenient, but have you considered the road safety concerns?
With the increasing number of fast-moving vehicles on busy and congested roads, even a small riding mistake, pothole, or speed breaker can lead to toppling and serious accidents, potentially causing injuries, permanent disabilities, or loss of life.
The same applies to manually pulled trolley rickshaws used for transporting business materials. Many of them carry overloaded and dangerous goods such as construction materials, rods, bamboo, and pipes.
Overloading often exceeds the permissible limit by ten times, leading to tire bursts and breakdowns on the road. When transporting long or heavy materials, these vehicles become hazardous, significantly increasing the risk of road accidents.
On steep descents road, they may move easily, but what happens on steep ascents road? It becomes extremely difficult to pull, and sometimes, the cart reverses unexpectedly. Some bikers , Auto drivers even push them from behind using illegal methods like their legs, adding to the risks.
Carrying long and overloaded materials while navigating turns or roads often results in accidents, endangering road users and even leading to fatalities.
What’s your opinion?
- Should they be banned from busy and congested roads?
- Should alternative employment options be provided to affected workers?
- Should law enforcement strictly regulate them?
At the core of this issue, there are two concerns:
- The risk of accidents, injuries, and loss of life.
- The livelihood of rickshaw pullers and cart operators.
Drive Safe, Stay Safe.DriveSafe
Follow Road Safety Rules.
Saferoadlife.
