A video of a man dressed in a full Santa Claus costume performing perilous stunts on a motorcycle on a major Chennai road went viral on social media on Thursday, sparking widespread criticism for endangering public safety.
Reckless Riding in Festive Garb
The incident occurred on the busy Maduravoyal-Tambaram Bypass Road. In the widely circulated video clip, the rider, fully clad in a Santa suit, is seen executing dangerous manoeuvres on his two-wheeler. He also approaches other vehicles in a manner that appeared to intimidate drivers, ostensibly to offer Christmas greetings. The act caused significant inconvenience and posed a serious threat to other road users.
A Notorious Stretch and Police Investigation
This particular bypass road has a notorious reputation for reckless behaviour, frequently making headlines for incidents involving illegal racing, overspeeding, and youngsters posting stunt videos on platforms like Instagram. In this case, the rider had masked his face to avoid identification and had also removed the registration plate from his motorcycle, complicating police efforts to track him down.
A police officer stated, "Performing stunts on public roads is a punishable offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. Dressing up or seeking attention on social media does not exempt anyone from the law." The officer confirmed that authorities are verifying the viral video and tracing the rider, promising strict action to deter such reckless behaviour on city roads.
Public Safety Concerns Voiced
The video, while perhaps intended as festive amusement, has been condemned by citizens and authorities alike for its inherent danger. Sudharshan, a motorist, echoed public sentiment, saying, "The video may have been amusing on social media, but it is extremely dangerous. Such stunts put not just the rider but also unsuspecting motorists at serious risk. One moment of thrill can lead to irreversible tragedy."
The incident serves as a stark reminder that violations of traffic rules for social media clout carry real-world consequences. The Chennai police have reiterated their commitment to taking stringent measures against those who compromise road safety for personal notoriety.
