Indian Traffic Laws: A SMART Guide on How to Drive Safely

Did you know that road accidents annually result in over 70000 deaths on Indian roads?  According to World Road Statistics (WRS) 2007 data for the year 2005,  India ranked second in the highest number of road accidents in a year, only next to China. Maximum road accidents were registered in the states of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra in 2006.

Despite the fact that we have high technology vehicles with built-in safety features like air balloons; the number of accidents continues to soar every year. Visit any city in India and you will see that car drivers do not follow the Indian Road rules, titled "Rules of the Road Regulation" implemented in July, 1989. However, the Indian traffic laws regarding speed, accident, personal injury and insurance are governed under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988.

Indian Traffic Laws: Follow Safety Driving Tips and Live Peacefully

First and foremost, don't drive without a driving license. For your own safety and that of your loved ones, don’t skip these general safety driving tips that are in sync with Indian traffic laws:

Don’t Exceed Speed Limit

Under Indian law, 55 kmph is the legal speed limit. When you are driving at a high speed, your brain usually fails to cope up with unexpected situations, thereby distorting your awareness of turning, halting and braking at the right time.

Restless Overtaking

In India, people overtake vehicles from all sides. By law, overtaking should only be done from the right side of the road. Always signal the driver ahead of you by blowing horn or flashing headlights before overtaking and do not overtake until s/he responds.

Driving under the influence of alcohol

This leads to not only to blurred vision and numbness but also to incapacity to take rational decisions. It also causes lack of concentration and can lead to accidents. So, avoid driving after drinking and don’t even consider drinking while driving.

Safety Belt

Wearing safety belts is crucial to prevent bodily injury. In case of two wheelers, it is essential to protect yourself and the companion with you by wearing helmets.

Correct Indications

One of the most common mistakes that happen on the roads occurs due to wrong or careless indications that drivers use. Make correct use of indicator lights of your vehicle while taking a left or right turn. Ensure to turn on the indicator at least 30 meters before you take the turn. This will enable you and the drivers behind maintain a safe gap.

Slow Reversing

The roads in India are, let’s finally admit it, cluttered. You have many tiny shops and shacks on the sides, junk and trash in the middle at times and yes, sadly, many vehicles and pedestrians share the same road! You can honk a million times and still bump into a pedestrian, a two wheeler or a car. So, it is vital to reverse your vehicle with care.

Safe Lane Changing

Do not change the lane abruptly as it is a sure cause for accidents. Moreover, it is imperative to maintain a safe distance before you change lanes.

If you follow these tips, you will steer clear of any legal troubles that accompany breaking of the Indian traffic laws.