500+ Words Essay on Traffic Rules
“Progress is not possible without discipline.” -Mata Amritanandamayi
Our government has built a system of roads and highways to facilitate the easy and smooth movement of traffic. Traffic in India includes vehicles like cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. as well as pedestrians and street vendors. To make commuting from one place to another easy and safe, the government asks people to follow some traffic rules strictly.
Why traffic rules are needed on Indian roads
There is no hiding the fact that Indian roads are full of potholes and are not the most well- built. Also, a lot of roads that are meant for vehicles is taken up illegally by newspaper vendors, food stalls, etc.
They sometimes even encroach the pedestrian area meant for walkers which forces them to use the busy and fast road space. The pedestrians, therefore, face the risk of being hit by a fast-moving car or bus. The way licenses are handed out in our country by the transport department is no secret.
They are also given to people who bribe the authorities. This puts the other travellers at great risk because untrained and unlearned people drive openly on roads.
A lot of times, traffic signals do not work, and neither are proper traffic signs displayed on road curves or edges. This can lead to traffic jams and vehicle collisions. Another major reason why traffic rules are needed is because of the laid- back attitude of the general population. They have a disregard for seat belts and helmets and practise drunk driving on many occasions.
Some traffic rules that are to be followed in India
Whenever riding a scooter, a motorcycle or even a bicycle, make sure that you wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet not only saves you from getting a fine but also protects your head from serious injuries in case you fall on the road. If a passenger is accompanying you on the two-wheeler, make sure that he or she also wears a helmet and does not take this rule lightly.
Using indicators is essential. Always let the vehicles behind you know in which lane or direction you are moving. The use of indicators helps to reduce accidents that are caused by surprise and sudden lane changes.
Make it a rule to never take more than one passenger with you on your two-wheeler. The sight of families or young boys practising tripling on Indian roads and streets is quite common, but it should be avoided at all costs. Seating more than one person behind you not only puts your life at risk but your companion’s as well.
Keeping one’s eyes on the roads is very important. People nowadays have gotten accustomed to the habit of using a cell phone while driving. They text and talk while driving a car, and this makes them compromise on their concentration.
Many even resort to watching shows or movies on their screens while on the road. Avoid these uncalled-for activities and remember to keep your eyes fixed on the road and not glued to your mobile phones.
Approaching a road from the wrong side can have fatal and life-threatening consequences. The riders driving in the correct direction may get suddenly surprised by the approach of your vehicle, which may lead to massive confusion and collisions.
Whenever you approach a red light, make sure that you stop your car before the zebra crossing. Do not let your vehicle cover it up. Zebra crossing is meant for pedestrians and not for halting and parking cars.
Penalties and Fines
Many traffic rules need to be followed, including the ones mentioned above. If people behave in a careless and reckless manner while driving, then they are subject to get caught by the traffic police and cameras. They are then liable to pay hefty amounts of money as a penalty.
The fine for drunk driving is Rs. 10,000, the penalty for jumping a signal is Rs. 1,000, driving without a helmet can cost a person a sum of Rs. 1,000 and overloading two-wheeler calls for a fine of Rs. 2,000.
Being a violator of traffic rules not only burns a hole in your pocket but has some other consequences as well. It can lead to suspension of your driving license for an extended period of time as well as land you in jail.
Advantages of following traffic rules
People who follow traffic rules help to bring down road accidents by a considerable percentage. Pedestrians get to cross the roads comfortably without the fear of being hit by a speeding vehicle. Signs and boards prove to be very helpful while navigating a new and unfamiliar area.
Following traffic rules helps to organise traffic. If pedestrians always walk on the footpaths meant for them, they would not be disturbing the vehicular traffic.
Similarly, two-wheelers should stick to being on the open road rather than driving on footpaths in times of jams or road traffics. The main advantage of following traffic rules is that you pose as a responsible citizen and a role model for others.
Leave a Reply