BHUBANESWAR: The percentage of female four-wheeler drivers who have completed all paperwork mandated by the MV (Amendment) Act 2019 is comparatively more than their male counterparts in the capital, according to a survey by Bhubaneswar RTO.
It has also been found that women are more devoted to follow traffic rules while behind the steering. Following the implementation of the amended act, large queues could be seen outside RTOs for RC and pollution certificates among others.
An RTO official requesting anonymity said, “On some days, women queue up in front of the RTO office to get their paperwork done with minimal fuss. However, men are usually a bit impatient in these times. In case of some male drivers, we have even fond alcohol content whereas there has been no such cases involving female drivers.”
Interacting with Orissa POST, Commissioner of Police Sudhanshu Sarangi said, “Although women drivers are comparatively less in numbers, they are more responsible towards traffic rules and one can always find their DL, RC book and other documents ready. Driving certainly requires more patience and women have it in abundance.
Chidatmika Khatua general secretary,All India Pvt School association Odisha,said,’The state govt has undertaken a great initiative for betterment of commuters.Female drivers in the city are ready with their papers intact. There should also be an online mobile app for traffic rules.’
Priyanka Narula, a homemaker said, “With increasing traffic and rise in the number of vehicles, abiding by traffic rules is a must. In fact, these are not just rules but decorum to make the city organised and ensures the safety of commuters. It’s a basic decency to let an ambulance pass and wait for signals.”
Arunima Patra, founder and director of Tanvi consultancy, said, “Women are always prepared for any circumstances and are more disciplined. When the new rules were implemented, I had my papers ready and updated within a week. The local govt should be instrumental in keeping every commuter safe. It has really been a bold effort by the state govt.”
Chaitali Shome, OP