Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?
The content reflects on the challenges of public speaking. It specifically addresses a condition known as glossophobia. The writer explores their journey through soliloquy and writing as an emotional outlet. It critiques society’s materialism and discusses the rapid technological advancements impacting youth, particularly smartphone usage. The piece highlights the dangers of speeding and distracted driving, emphasizing that road safety must be prioritized. Speed and road accidents are closely linked, making it imperative to address. Road conditions have improved. Yet, road accidents continue to be prevalent. This situation warrants stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect lives and guarantee safer transportation.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article explores glossophobia, the challenges of public speaking, and the author’s emotional journey through writing.
- It critiques society’s focus on materialism and emphasizes the importance of quality of life over possessions.
- The piece discusses the impact of technology on youth, particularly the dangers of distracted driving and speeding.
- Despite improved road conditions, road accidents remain prevalent, requiring stricter traffic law enforcement.
- The author calls for responsible driving and highlights the serious consequences of reckless behavior on the road.
A Daunting task
Public performance or giving a speech is beyond his reach. He feels uncomfortable, his throat becomes parched, and profuse sweating starts. Having struggled with this difficulty since childhood, he has now reached the seven-decade mark in his life. Yet his problem remains. Psychologists call it Glossophobia. The nomenclature has given him reasons to contend that he was not the only one. In fact, he thanked experts who coined a word for his problem and gave him an escape from his inability.
Monologue
Despite his inability to speak publicly, his mind usually remains in an agitated state. Unethical, wrong or absurd things agitate his mind. He used soliloquising to vent his indignation. Sometimes, he talked to inanimate objects like a tree or other natural objects. Then he started penning down his thoughts. This journey was pleasant and rewarding. He found writing to be an effective tool. He usually tells his stories by writing.
Cogitation
In the cosy corner of his house, he used to ponder the political scenario. He also thought about the role of technology in the lives of common people and people’s problems. Thinking, reading and writing are his only jobs, which he does with zeal. He likes it when somebody reads his writings and occasionally appreciates them. He has enough time to do it.
Common stuff
While reading he often comes across various things. One thing that often occurs in his reading is about life. The thrust of the content creators is on the frail life and its fleeting nature. They seem to put pressure on the point of living long with all their belongings and possessions. Their emphasis seems not to be on the quality of life. Instead, their focus seems to be on earning more money and fattening the bank balance. It is a materialistic way of thinking. Lopsided thrust on materialism causes a frantic race against time. One can’t have everything at the same time. In Nature, trade-offs are an important aspect. Something is to be given to get something. The priorities of a person decide their goal and journey. People belonging to the old school of thought feel uncomfortable with the artificial rat race.
Technology and youth
The train of thought took him to a problem that had taken a nasty turn. It is speed and road accidents about youth. Wise use of technology helps ease life, while careless use can lead to serious problems. The fast-developing technology and its use have eased the lives of common people. Computer technology has permeated every corner of a person’s life. Telephony, television, cinema and entertainment, transportation and any field under the sky uses computer technology. Smartphones have revolutionised phone usage. A single gadget can carry out almost every job a person needs. From taking pictures, scanning documents, sending emails, reading books and watching films. You name it, you have it. The popularity of a smartphone is justified. It is popular among youths and the aged alike.
Speed not always thrills
What is worrying is the speed. Speed thrills, but it has its serious aftereffects, including road accidents. It takes its toll, and people pay a heavy price for it. Using smartphones while driving has been a vogue among people. While driving a car or bike, people are often seen using their phones. It harms the users, passengers and those using the roads.
(a) Focussed driving
Needless to say that while on the road, driving a car or motorbike requires concentration and care. When speeding, the travel time drastically shortens, giving a fraction of time to judge a situation. A car running at a speed of 100 kmph will cover 500 meters in 18 seconds. It gives very narrow space to judge a situation, leading to an impending, unfortunate situation. Careless fast speed leads to an unfortunate road accident.
(b) Expressways
Speeding is acceptable on the specified roads, like expressways, which allow running at the highest speed of 100 kmph. The greenfield, access-controlled expressways are specially built for quick and hassle-free travel. Nevertheless, it requires careful and controlled driving of the vehicle. It is advisable to run the vehicle at a controllable speed limit. Life is precious; it can’t be taken for granted. Loss of life or permanent disabilities are unacceptable. It ruins the whole family. It must be remembered that one skip and the whole thing would be finished.
Road accidents
Road accidents are frequent and are the greatest cause of death, especially among youths. In 2022, about 150 thousand people lost their lives in 450 thousand reported accidents (Data for India). It is worrying.
(a) Causes
Road razing, overspending, and rule violations are some vital causes leading to accidents and casualties on roads. Helmets are still taboo. Bike riders often do not wear helmets. This is a major cause of fatality in road accidents especially among the two-wheeler drivers. Drunk driving is yet another cause of road accidents. People should understand the seriousness of the issue. Besides being a crime, it is harmful to society as well. It is unethical to put others’ lives in danger.
(b) Government action
The government has taken it seriously. Significant changes have been made to the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, making the law and rules made thereunder more stringent. Upward revision of penalties for delinquents provided. Despite actions people disobey rules. Red-light jumping, rash driving, talking on phone while driving et cetera are still frequent. People are not yet sensitive to the problem.
(c) Road Conditions
Road conditions have significantly increased. New roads are being constructed, and old roads are being enhanced and broadened. Many expressways are now operational, covering a distance of 5,145 km as of 2023-24. This is expected to increase to 6,059 km in 2024-25. (Financial Express). The improved road conditions have eased traffic pressure. They have ensured better and faster connectivity. Additionally, they have provided a safe journey. Despite this, an increasing number of fatal accidents is worrying.
Speeding is not smart
Speeding is not smart. Roads are not for a circus or a somersault. It is a crime against society. Special tracks have been constructed for formula races. Nevertheless, performing stunts on roads is strictly prohibited. Personal choice and interest cease to exist where others start. Remember that roads are for the public. It is unacceptable to physically harm innocent commuters for fun. The defaulter or rash driver should be ready to face the music.
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