Good roads lead to major road accidents: K'taka Deputy CM Karjol

Justifying the fines and explaining the cause of a large number of road accidents, one of the three Deputy Chief Ministers of Karnataka Govind Karjol, stated almost apologetically, that not bad roads, but good roads were responsible for a large number of accidents.

Bengaluru: In a bizarre explanation, one of the three Deputy Chief Ministers of Karnataka Govind Karjol said that accidents happen not because of bad roads but because roads are in good condition. He was explaining his government’s decision to reduce steep fines for traffic offenders that were introduced by the Centre under the new law.

Speaking to reporters, Karjol said: “Every year, around 10,000 accidents are reported in the state. The media blames it on bad roads. But, I believe it is due to good roads.”

"A majority of the accidents occur on highways. I don't support levying high fines. We will make a decision on the revision of the fines during cabinet meetings," he added.

A number of states including BJP-ruled states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa have decided to slash the heavy fines on "humanitarian grounds".

Last month, Govind Karjol, Dr Ashwath Narayan and Laxman Savadi - were appointed as three Deputy Chief Ministers in B S Yediyurappa's cabinet.