Introduction
The reluctance to follow the traffic rules in India varies from place to place, similarly as its cultures and languages. People in some parts of India diligently obey the traffic rules while in some other parts they tend to be habitual offenders. Surprisingly, those who disobey the rules are well aware of them, and also the consequences that could arise by not following them. Still, they display their reluctance and regularly flout the rules, putting their own life as well as life of others in danger.
Present Indian Scenario
Our reluctance to follow the road traffic rules could be assessed from a recent 2018 statics, which states that road accidents in India claim 400 lives every day. Prime causes behind the fatalities are – over speeding, jumping signals, overloaded commercial vehicles, overcrowded passenger vehicles, not wearing safety gears etc. Most vulnerable are the two wheeler riders and pedestrians, who are difficult to spot on crowded and busy roads. According to a recent study, two wheeler drivers in India constitute 40% of total road accident deaths annually.
Reasons for Low Awareness
People’s reluctance to follow traffic rules could be attributed to various factors. There is no organized road safety education in the Indian system. Children come to know about the general traffic rules by their parents or by self observation. There are hundreds of traffic signs that the children have never been told about.
The usual “let go” attitude also plays a significant role in Indian context. People tend to follow the irresponsible drivers. If a single driver jumps a red signal, he will be followed by many others. As if, they were not waiting for the lights to turn green, but for someone to jump it.
Another reason behind low awareness is liberal monitoring. People disobeying traffic rules are seldom confronted, thus making them more reluctant. When not stopped for a number of times, they become habitual offenders, compromising their own safety as well as safety of others.
Methods to Increase Awareness
There are many initiatives that could be taken to increase public awareness. An organized structure for providing education regarding road safety and rules, in the schools must be provided. Road safety and rules could be started as a subject in schools and professional courses. Use of print and electronic media could also be vital tool in raising awareness. Any message sent by celebrities, through print or electronic media will have greater influence on the attitude of people. A mandatory training session for are new driving license holders, on road safety and rules too will help in raising awareness.
Conclusion
Regular campaigns should be organized by the governments in coordination with relevant departments, wherein people must be taught about traffic rules and regulation, also encouraged to use proper safety gears. A strict monitoring and a policy of zero tolerance towards offences like drunken driving, over speeding etc, will send a strong message to the public and deter them from flouting the rules.
Conversation Questions
- Have you ever seen a traffic accident?
- Have you been involved in a traffic accident?
- Do you know someone who has been involved in a traffic accident?
- Have you been injured in a traffic accident?
- Do you think talking on cell phones can help cause traffic accidents?
- Do you think a motorcycle rider should be required to wear a helmet?
- Do you think a person should be required to wear a seat belt?
- What kind of insurance do you have on your car?
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