Follow traffic rules: Help save a life

Every day people die on the roads due to reckless driving, speeding, etc and we blame the government for failing to provide good roads. But as responsible citizens, we can make the roads safer for all by simply following some basic traffic rules.

People hold the government responsible for all the problems in the society ranging from corruption to inflation, poor health system, deteriorating educational system, etc. We even blame the government for frequent road accidents. We always complain that the government has failed to provide good roads, the police are only interested in issuing challans and no safety measures are adopted by the government and the list goes on.

Traffic signs are the silent speakers on the road. Be it the person behind the wheel or a pedestrian, having a sound knowledge about road safety is absolutely necessary for all before hitting the roads.

Traffic signs give information about the road conditions ahead, provide instructions to be followed at the major crossroads or junctions, warn or guide drivers, and ensure proper functioning of road traffic. Being unaware of road signs is akin to throwing caution to the wind. It can lead to loss of life and property. A person is supposed to be familiar (get through a written or oral test) with the traffic signs and symbols before acquiring a driving license in India.

Celebrating Road Safety

Every year, prominent metro cities of India celebrate the road safety week to promote road safety measures. During the entire week, the transport departments of various states create awareness through community building process in schools, colleges, offices and on roads. They also sensitise people about the outcome of drunken driving, high-speed driving, and importance of wearing helmet for bikers and seat belts for four-wheeler drivers. At times, they choose themes to communicate to the masses. Road Safety Week 2015 was celebrated in India from 11-17 January.

Agreed. The government is heartless, clueless about our problems but as responsible citizens what is our role? Don’t we give our children driving lesson at the age of 14. Don’t we wear helmet at the sight of a policeman. Don’t we fasten our safety belts at the sight of policemen? Don’t we jump the red light when there are no policemen. Don’t we take dangerous shortcuts to save fuel. The list seems endless. For every 20,000 people there is one traffic policeman. Is it the duty of that one policeman to do everything and the rest 20,000 will do nothing but simply obey him, provided if he is there.

Traffic rules are for us, and not for the policemen. We have to obey these rules; we have to save our lives and the lives of others. We just can’t blame the government for everything. Your life is precious; don’t lose it just to gain a minute.

Take care, it is your life.

Reference: The Times of India

The author of this article is Assistant Professor, Pioneer Institute of Professional Studies