In grief, family gives message of road safety

Rajkot: They lost their 18-year-old son in a road accident. But this businessman's family doesn't want others to suffer the same fate.

In a touching gesture, businessman Jayesh Amipara distributed helmets to all those who came to pray for the departed soul at the condolence meet held on Monday. Amipara's son Hemil was seriously injured when the SUV he was sitting in with his friend collided with another car on New Ring Road on September 30 night. After battling for life for eight days, Hemil succumbed on October 9.

"We don't want others to undergo the pain of losing their young children. My son died because he was not wearing a seat belt. He suffered severe injuries in the lungs, spine and skull. By distributing helmets, we wanted to give a message that everyone should follow traffic rules for their own safety," Amipara told TOI.

The family has also decided to work to generate public awareness regarding traffic rules so that the number of accidents and loss of lives can be reduced. At the condolence meet, they also put up banners reading "No Helmet No Ride" and "No Seat Belt No Trip."

Deputy superintendent of police, traffic, J K Zala said, "It is an indeed a very thoughtful gesture We always advise people to follow the traffic rules for their own safety. With Eyeway project, we have started penalizing traffic offenders."