Road Safety should be given the utmost importance as the number of deaths caused by road accidents are among the highest in the country. Every year in India, more than 1,50,000 people die due to traffic accidents. with an average of 400 deaths per day, and the reasons are simple, the unawareness of road safety rules and regulations and the negligence of drivers.
Everyone needs to be aware of traffic signals and rules while on the road. Following Traffic signals and rules are very important as it gives you the information drivers are unaware of, like the condition of the road ahead, any frequent accident spot, speed limits, crowded area, etc. Drivers who are pre-informed about entry, exit, turn, and other road conditions through traffic signs are less likely to indulge in fatal road accidents.
It’s very important to pay attention to the traffic lights, signboards, which can ensure your safety and the safety of the people around you. Be it a pedestrian or a person driving a car, awareness of road safety norms and traffic signs is an absolute necessity in today’s times.
Road safety rules:
Never drink and drive – Drunk driving results in the most fatal accidents in the world, and it’s a highly punishable offense. Drunk driving not only puts the driver’s life at risk but also the life of people around him. Driving under the effect of alcohol is very dangerous as it ultimately reduces the driver’s ability to focus on the road and will surely end up in serious road accidents. The fines are very high and an imprisonment of 6 months or more.
Always wear seat belts – Sear belts save lives, it is proven that Wearing a seat belt can become a lifesaver in an accident. It keeps you in place during the accidental impact. The seat belts are designed to work with your airbags. The momentum during an accident can result in thrown out of the windshield. The G-force during an accident can result in serious injuries. So wearing a seat belt while driving is a must.
Always follow road signs and signals – Roads have certain laws and rules in order to ensure the free flow of traffic and avoid road accidents and it becomes our responsibility to follow them. Following road signs and signals not only avoid congestion, traffic jams, but also helps in reducing pollution, and road accidents.
Obeying the speed limits – Over speeding is the prime reason for any accident in the country. The speed limit is set with the goal of keeping everyone safe, always take care of speed because we know speed kills.
Avoid distraction – Distraction is also the reason for some serious accidents on the road, and this is most common in young drivers. The obvious quote “Keep your eyes on the Road” Whenever we drive a vehicle, we should distance ourselves from distractions.
Must hold a driving license – A person is considered familiar (through written or oral tests) with traffic signs and symbols after obtaining a driving license. It’s very important to learn to drive from a driving school and get a driving license before getting on the road.
Road safety signs are primarily of three types;
Mandatory signs:
These traffic signals are used to make sure free movement of traffic and road users are made aware of specific laws and regulations, restrictions. Violation of these road safety signs is a crime as per law.
Cautionary signs:
These traffic signs, alert road users to dangerous conditions already on the road. The drivers, accordingly, take necessary actions to handle the situation.
Informatory signs:
These traffic signs inform road users about the destination, alternate routes, and key places such as food, public toilets around public hospitals, etc.
The alarming rate of road accidents is the biggest cause of concern in India. In the last decade, many rules and laws have been introduced to promote road safety in the country. However, none of these rules have achieved much success at the ground level. This is why it is important to educate people, especially the new drivers.
Road safety regulations are not limited to being used only by motorists and drivers but also by pedestrians, cyclists, and others, its the responsibility of all of us to follow the road safety rules, as one’s mistake results in others damage.