Traffic police in India have been trying to come up with innovative ideas to get people to follow traffic rules and raise awareness about road safety. Some time ago, Lucknow traffic police distributed roses to people wearing helmets to appreciate them for following rules.
Now, in an attempt to curb traffic violations on the roads, Bengaluru Traffic Police has installed mannequins dressed as traffic cops around the city. The cops have deployed 30 life-size mannequins, dressed in complete uniforms on trial basis, assuming that drivers will behave better with some authority watching over them, reports India Today.
Dressed in reflector jackets, white shirts, khaki pants, hats, and black shoes, the location of the mannequins will be regularly changed so that people don’t get used to them. According to Bangalore Mirror, the mannequins will be used only during day time and will be removed from the spots in the night.
While some people have appreciated the innovative idea, others have some hilarious reactions to the new concept, have a look:
At the junction of MG Road and Brigade Road, Bangalore traffic police have installed a mannequin dressed in uniform, sort of like an elaborate scarecrow, to ensure people obey rules and don't jump signals. pic.twitter.com/MwKKUhD3Ix
— Thejaswi Udupa (@udupendra) November 26, 2019
While it is an interesting idea, it will most likely fail because this mannequin looks fitter than all the cops. May be they should add a bit of a paunch to make it more realistic.
— Thejaswi Udupa (@udupendra) November 26, 2019
I think it is good experiment. Keep shifting the mannequin frequently to different locations..😊
— Saarai (@SaaraiBhatti) November 27, 2019
Looks like our very own Michael jaykishan. Moonwalk plz.
— Aditya Kothari (@adityakothari) November 26, 2019
It might nudge one into being more mindful while riding/driving. Definitely worth a shot! I hope they have a way to collect clean data on this and make a good before/after comparison!
— hrv (@hrvenkatesh) November 27, 2019
I hope 'Fair & Handsome' is underwriting this.
— Itz-only-zoom-a/b (@JoseyJohn) November 26, 2019
They had something similar in Vizag a year or two ago. It was kinda impressive.
— The Legendary Sue (@sunayanaroy) November 26, 2019
Ah, some cop who won't demand bribe..
More such pl.
— S M Jalageri Code 856, Thx @kaalaateetham (@smjalageri) November 27, 2019
Woah! Surprised to see this is a phenomenon across the city. Needs to look a little more realistic!
— Tina (@TinaRajan_) November 27, 2019
Hope people will not steal that mannequin or steal the clothes of it, to make it naked
— Sushmith (@Sushmithenator) November 26, 2019
However, this is not the first time Bengaluru police have come up with a unique solution, earlier they brought Lord Yamraj onto the roads to educate bikers on the importance of wearing helmets. They have also gone as far as filling potholes in the city to ensure road safety for citizens.
Kudos to Bengaluru traffic cops for devising creative ways to double their efforts in regulating city traffic.