10 Essential Safety Rules for Indian Roads to ensure a Safer Journey

How many times commute to your office or a trip to your friend’s house become stressful because of the traffic conditions and road conditions? Indian roads are known for their

poor conditions and heavy traffic, making them a challenge to navigate. Potholes, broken pavements, and lack of proper signage are common issues faced by drivers and pedestrians alike. Additionally, reckless driving and disregard for traffic rules contribute to the high number of accidents on Indian roads. Although the authorities are working hard to improve the traffic conditions either through Infrastructure development or through efficient traffic management. Delhi and Ludhiana are some good examples of the work being done.

Still in this scenario, it is essential to follow safety rules and regulations while driving or walking on roads to ensure a safer journey for oneself and others. The importance of safety rules on roads cannot be overstated. Following traffic laws, being alert, and maintaining vehicles can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Here are 10 safety rules for Indian roads that you must know for your safety and others.

1. Wear a helmet: Two-wheelers are the most popular mode of transport in India. Helmets are crucial for protecting your head in case of an accident. Whether the law does not mandate wearing helmets in your state or not, make it a habit to wear one every time you ride.
2. Follow traffic rules: Traffic rules are in place for a reason. They ensure a smooth flow of traffic and reduce the chances of accidents. Follow traffic signals, lane markings, and speed limits to avoid getting into trouble with the law.
3. Use indicators: Indicators are not just there to look pretty. They are an essential tool for communicating your intentions to other drivers. Use them whenever you want to turn or change lanes.
4. Maintain your vehicle: Regular maintenance of your vehicle is essential for ensuring your safety. Check the brakes, lights, and tires before setting out on a journey. If you notice any issues, get them fixed immediately.
5. Keep a safe distance: Following the vehicle in front of you too closely is a recipe for disaster. Maintain a safe distance of at least two seconds between your vehicle and the one in front.
6. Watch out for pedestrians: Pedestrians are vulnerable road users, and it is your responsibility to watch out for them. Slow down near schools, hospitals, and residential areas where pedestrians are likely to be present.
7. Do not drink and drive: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous. It impairs your judgement and reaction time, making it more likely for you to get into an accident.
8. Do not use mobile phones while driving: Using your mobile phone while driving is a distraction that can lead to accidents. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe spot.
9. Avoid driving at night: Driving at night can be more challenging than during the day due to poor visibility and the increased risk of drunk driving. If possible, avoid driving at night or ensure that your vehicle's lights are in good working condition.
10. Be alert: Finally, always be alert while driving. Keep an eye out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles on the road. Stay focused and avoid any distractions that may take your attention away from the road.

 In conclusion, driving on Indian roads can be a daunting task, but by following these safety rules, you can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer journey for yourself and others on the road. Remember to always wear a helmet, follow traffic rules, maintain your vehicle, and be alert while driving. By doing so, you can enjoy a safer and more pleasant driving experience.

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Speed limits on our roads and streets

“Breaking any law usually leads to unpleasant consequences but breaking a law related to speeding can lead to many consequences”Few days ago I saw a shattering news while reading newspaper that a child died after being hit by a car driven by a man who was driving very rashly at the speed of 80 km/h. Did I mention that he was driving in a street in residential area where a speed limit sign was also available? Shocked? even I was. I want to narrate a story that happened in front of my eyes. These three guys in their early twenties were riding a scooter on busy streets. They were at high speed (must be 60 something) and top of their Hooligan self when they crossed me. After a few seconds I watched them skid, fell down and surrounded by public. It took me roughly 2 minutes when I reached near them and saw that they skid because of sudden breaks they had to apply to save kids playing in the street. Yet they stopped only inches away from the kids. Now how safe is this?

What I can not understand is why people drive so fast crossing speed limit? Is it the excitement or impression of being good driver or fear of getting late to work (or to home). Whatever be the reason but the same reasons can put people in danger. So here primary concern is about the safety of the public including the driver from speed causing accidents. We all must understand that vehicles on the roads are allowed to run under a ceiling of speed limit.

However in India the idea and implementation of speed limit looks like an alienated concept. The authorized body has fixed maximum speed limits for different classes of vehicles at a national level like within town it is 50 km/h, for highways it is 80 km/h and there is no limit defined for expressways. The maximum speed limit for rural inner state is 90 Km/h. As speed vary by state and vehicle type so Delhi govt. has also fixed 60 km/h for light motor vehicles like cars/jeep/autorikhshaws etc. and 40 km/h for all heavy motor/transport vehicles including TSRs. According to ASP (Traffic) N S Ahlawat, the idea behind this is to ensure smooth flow of traffic and safety of the pedestrians. Not only this, to regulate the speed of motor vehicles on the roads of NCT of Delhi, Mr. Prabhakar (Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Headquarters) been dictated speed limit of vehicles on the city roads. Know more about these speed limits here. There can be debates on whether these limits are right or not but before that we should abide by these limits.

Well Delhi Traffic Police (DTP) already is enforcing these limits by using cameras integrated with radar devices to snap the picture and license plate info and by putting Speed Limit Signs on the road sides. DTP is also in process of procuring night speed radar guns. These will help to catch motorists for speeding even after sunset, though the same is expected to be introduced only after Commonwealth Games in Delhi. One thing that I have found missing here is proper communication of these limits to the general public. How many of you knew about these limits prior to reading this post. The proper signage need to be put up not only the roads but on major streets as well. The drives for educating the public and enforcing law need to be taken up by the Delhi traffic police. We should not forget the streets when enforcing this law specifically because many such accidents happen on the streets. But above all enforcements we the drivers will have to understand and take the oath to drive sensibly. I would love to hear your input about this.

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More buses, Carpools, Behaved Autos and strict enforcement will reduce traffic problems

Blame it on my laziness or the amount of workload I was dealing with. But yes, the promised post on the measures to reduce the load on roads is delayed. Anyways here it goes. To decrease the traffic on the Delhi roads, apart from raising the traffic penalties and the parking charges, I will suggest following measures also.

1. Increase the DTC bus fleet on the Delhi roads: For adventure's sake try to commute by DTC bus service just for one day. I am sure that you will have to wait at least 20-30 minutes before your bus arrives and then you will find it too crowded to make you put your idea to take bus aside. The current fleet of roughly 6400 buses (3600 New Low floor buses and 2800 old busses) is not sufficient for Delhi roads. The government will have to at least triple the busses to provide a service every 5-10 minutes. Also the buses should allow only a fixed number of passengers. A commuter is more likely to ditch his car/bike for the bus service if it does not keep him waiting and provides sufficient comfort.

2. Improve the other means of public transport: Nobody likes to be heckled by the Auto / Taxi drivers. The government will have to ensure that Auto drivers have enough discipline to a) Not to refuse the passenger without any reason b) Always go by the meter. I am sure people will stop taking there beloved cars out of their garage. Read more about the "Psyche Of A Delhi Auto Driver" in this blog by Maryann Taylor

3 Encourage Car pooling: This is one point that I guess has already been acted upon. Some days back I used to hear this radio advertisement which appeals you to car pool forgetting any differences if you might have with copassengers.

4. Ensure stricter implementations of law: There is an urgent need to see that whatever fines or penalties are decided (the current or the proposed hikes) are implemented strictly. There should not be a case where people know hey can get away by bribing a constable.

After writing all this I still believe that there is a scope to add few more suggestions here. I will be more than happy to see suggestion coming from you about the post.

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Traffic Regulations in India

Traffic Regulations: Okay in my last post about the parking scenario in Delhi I have talked a lot about the wrong parking and improper usage of the roads. I guess we should also talk something about the traffic regulations which Delhi Government has formed for using the roads properly. I was browsing for the Traffic regulations in Delhi when I stumbled upon this site from Delhi Govt. Following are the excerpt for parking regulations.

DO NOT PARK at or near a road crossing or on top of a hill or on a footpath; too near a traffic light or pedestrian crossing; on a main road or a road with heavy traffic; in front of or opposite another parked vehicle to cause obstruction; on roads that have a white line; near a bus- stop, school or hospital entrance; right next to a traffic sign thereby blocking it for others; at the entrance of a building; near a fire hydrant thereby blocking access to it; where parking is specifically prohibited.


This rule, clearly lays out that Crossing (or too near a crossing) is not the ideal place for parking or even halts. This is a zone which is very critical for the moving traffic. We should always keep annoyance caused to others, in mind when we are on roads. Read more about Traffic Regulations from this site. After reading about the regulations lot of us would definitely make an effort to follow these traffic regulations, I know. We all are the part of very disciplined and law abiding society. But I guess I’ll also discuss the penalties for any defaulters. The penalty for the obstructive Parking is Rs. 100. If you wish to read more about the penalties for other traffic offences, visit http://www.delhitrafficpolice.nic.in/.

In my next post I would like to explore what I feel we (Government and Public) can do to make these roads more safe and more comfortable. We can learn from how other countries are handling these issues and from some of the parking laws internationally.
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