Kochi, 15 Nov (H.S.):

Actor Mammootty urged motorists to keep racing and vehicle stunts off public roads, stressing that the desire for speed should never endanger other road users.

Inaugurating the Kerala government’s “Jeeva-Suyathra Mission”, for which he serves as brand ambassador, Mammootty said youngsters keen on testing their vehicles’ speed or performing motorcycle stunts should use designated racing tracks.

“Roads are meant for travel, not racing,” he said, warning that competitive driving between strangers, often triggered by overtaking, could have devastating consequences.

Arriving a minute or two later was preferable to risking one’s life or someone else’s, he added.

In a lighter vein, Mammootty said his selection as the campaign’s ambassador had initially startled him because he enjoyed driving enthusiastically and liked speed. However, he stressed that driving demanded concentration, caution and responsibility.

The actor said he rarely drove nowadays because roads had become increasingly crowded. He attributed most accidents to human error, highlighting inattentive driving and careless pedestrian behaviour.

Criticising the widespread use of mobile phones while walking, he urged pedestrians to remain alert and avoid assuming that others would ensure their safety.

Mammootty also suggested examining whether closely spaced bus schedules encouraged drivers to compete for passengers. Timetable adjustments or route changes could be considered, he said, clarifying that these were observations as an ordinary citizen rather than an expert.

He urged pedestrians to use footpaths while acknowledging that many pavements were occupied for other purposes.

Leaving home early, he said, could reduce the pressure to speed, anxiety and carelessness caused by running late.

Calling for children to be taught greater civic sense, Mammootty reminded motorists and pedestrians that families awaited their safe return.

“For their sake at least, those driving and those walking should be careful,” he said, appealing to everyone to take responsibility for their own safety and others’

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman