Super bikes thrills - But also kills

Hyderabad: The ghastly accident on Sunday, in which former Indian cricket team skipper Md. Azharuddin's younger son Ayazuddin was critically injured and his nephew Ajmalur-Rahman died, is yet another grim reminder of the truth behind the maxim 'speed thrills, but kills,' especially in the case of speed bikes which today's twenty something love.

Mohammed Aiyazuddin, a 19- year-old promising boy would have never thought that his fancied ride on the swanky bike would end in a disaster. This incident brings to fore the responsibility of parents, the role of the police, and what the authorities need to do with regard to high-speed imported bikes.

Teenage is a very crucial phase. It is natural for a teen to have a zest for doing something different, extraordinary or adventurous even if it involves risk to his or her life.

With bikes, specifically speed bikes, at their disposal, teens tend to go overboard. These days it is common to see youngsters drive crazily, giving a damn to traffic rules. Cases of underage and drunken driving are rising in the city, despite special drives by the city police.

Parents are seen as the main culprits. 'First the parents should know, before buying a super bike, that their teenage sons in all probability will misuse it and meet with dangerous consequences. The highpowered vehicles range from 800 cc-1700cc. They have a tremendous pick up and the maneuverability is so difficult that it could become uncontrollable for youngsters not used to driving. Why should they buy such vehicles in the first instance?' asks Mr. Sambasiva, an analyst.

'Moreover, Hyderabad roads are not meant for bike racing or speed driving. At best, one can go in 60-70 km per hour and for that just 200 cc bike is enough. Where is the need to go for high powered ones? Even if they buy, what would do they do?' he questions.

The police are to be blamed as well. 'Why shouldn't they stop the racers or speedsters? Even at night, bike racing goes on in Jubilee Hills lanes and on the Outer Ring Road. Why don't they stop? Why are the speedsters being let off without being penalized?' he continues.

Another important thing is that teenagers or even elders do not get proper guidance or formal training from any professional. Soon after buying, the youngster likes to go at a 140 kmph plus speed. One should start with 60 and then go to 70 and then beyond.

The youngsters do not understand to what extent their body can absorb the shock when they go at a terrific speed. Moreover, it is prohibited to go beyond certain level. That apart, most of them do not wear any protective gear.

'No helmets, no jackets. An accident can take place at any time. Why shouldn't they wear,' asks K Ranga Rao, president of the Adventure Club of Andhra Pradesh (ACAP). If adequate security precautions are not taken, the blame naturally lies with parents and the police,' he said.

'Leave alone the bike riders, what will happen to the passersby if the speeding vehicle hits them? They have to pay a heavy price for no fault of theirs. Isn't it?' Ranga Rao asks.

'There is difference between racing and riding. Parents feel it as a status symbol to buy a high-powered vehicle. They do not have it in their mind that it is fraught with death' said Mr. Mr. Promod Chandra Kadiyala of Hyderabad Avengers Club.

'There are a number of occasions when we came across some speedsters both on the roads and within our club. We used to teach them how to enjoy riding. The bottom-line should be we return home safely,' he added.

Banning the import of high speed vehicles will not help. It is not possible also. The companies which sell high-speed bikes take an undertaking that the vehicle will not be misused, else they (the parents) will be held responsible, suggest an analyst.

The laws to curb rash driving are there, but they are not enforced strictly, observed Promod Chandra. If it is found that a youngster goes on a normal
road with swash-buckling speed, then that vehicle should be seized and the parents penalized.

The youngster must be barred from driving for a certain period, suggests another analyst. Many people still remember the tragic deaths of the sons of two Tollywood artistes,viz Kota Srinivasa Rao and Babu Mohan in road accidents.

There are several super speed bikes - over and above that of Suzuki 1000cc -which is found on Hyderabad roads these days. The Italian superbike manufacturer'MV Augusta's latest super beast, the F4 R; Ducati 1098S, Yamaha YZF R1, which weighs 454 pounds, is said to give a brain blur for those who ride it; Suzuki GSX- R 1000; BMW 1200S; Honda CBR 1100xx Blackbird; Kawasaki NInja ZX-11/zz1100; Suzuki Hayabusa; MTT Turbine Superbike Y2k; Dodge Tomahawk and KTM Duke 200 are to say a few with high velocity bike.

The happening city is certainly showing signs of a fast developing city when it comes to bikes on roads. Yet, the roads are no way near those of Malaysia, Germany or some other cities of Europe and North and South America. One should not forget the fact that it would be impossible for anyone to go beyond 70 kmph. If they go, it is disaster waiting to happen!