Road Travel and Safety Regulations in India

We all know how dangerous the road travel conditions are while driving in India. It makes sense to be aware of the safety regulations in India. The roads are in bad condition, with cows strolling about in the middle of the road, endless traffic jams that cause rage among commuters at peak hours and deadly potholes that you may not see while you are driving. Road construction is poorly executed in India. Roads are widened but the side-walks for pedestrians have become so narrow that it is of no use. If this is the condition in India’s popular metros such as Delhi and Mumbai, you can imagine what the road conditions are likely to be in other rural areas or places where there is more congestion and bad state of roads.

Road Travel and Vehicle Population in India

In the last five decades, the number of car users has grown to more than 5.5 crores. It is estimated that 25 lakh new cars will be added annually. Safety regulations are hardly adhered to by a majority of people who are driving on roads that may be narrow and in poor condition and therefore, there is greater responsibility to ensure the safety of others on the move.

Look at any roads that you typically drive through in India. There are so many people who crowd the main roads without realizing they are obstructing you. Look at the number of stalls put up by road side vendors who encroach the public space and block sidewalks that are meant for pedestrians to walk on.

How often do you ignore the traffic lights because you are in a rush? How often do you not slow down for school students who want to cross the road or elderly people who are trying to cross too?

Safety Regulation Tips During Road Travel

Here are some quick legal tips to be aware of during road travel in India:

• Do not drive without a valid driving licence. • Do not drive if you are slightly intoxicated.
• Do not ignore traffic signals.
• Do not exceed the stipulated maximum speed.
• Observe the traffic problems in your locality and see how you can suggest or help make improvements by informing this to the statutory authority.
• Do not park in places where it is not legally permitted to do so. Being an active, committed citizen is essential for ensuring that you stick to safety regulations while driving. Don’t expect the traffic police and the government to find solutions to improve road travel. Remember, safety regulation begins with YOU.