A Project on
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Submitted by ~
Name: Atharva Payeng
Class: XI (A) Roll No.: 10
Stream: Science
Road safety and traffic rules are essential for ensuring the well-being of all
road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Without these rules, our
roads would be chaotic and prone to accidents, resulting in harm to individuals
and damage to property. They are crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring
the well-being of all road users. In India, the government has established
various rules and regulations to promote road safety.
What does ROAD SAFETY mean?
Road safety can be referred to the precautionary measures taken by any
vehicle driver, cyclist, pedestrian and passenger on road in order to prevent
injuries, accidents and thereby assuring safety. There are traffic rules which
have been laid out and should compulsorily be followed.
Key Road Safety Rules -
Animal Safety: Be cautious of animals on the road and avoid hurting
them.
Cross on Zebra Crossing: Always use zebra crossings to cross roads.
Drinking and Driving: Never drive after consuming alcohol, as it impairs
cognitive functioning.
Exhaustion or Health Issues: Avoid driving if you're exhausted or have
health issues.
Follow Traffic Lights: Obey all traffic signals and signs.
Traffic Signs -
There are three main categories of traffic signs in India:
Mandatory Signs: Indicate actions that must be taken, represented by
red circles.
Cautionary Signs: Warn drivers of potential hazards, represented by red
triangles.
Informatory Signs: Provide information about facilities and services,
represented by blue rectangles.
Causes of Road Accidents –-
Studies suggest that there are numerous and varied reasons which can
cause road accidents. Drunk driving, high speed, sleepless nights, rough road,
inclement weather, car breakdown, violent traffic rules etc. They can be
summarised as given below:
1. Human Factors: 85% accidents are caused by human factors such as
drunk driving, drowsiness, fatigue, lack of awareness of road signs,
violation of rules, distracted driving, pedestrian errors, etc.
2. Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure such as incorrect road engineering,
dilapidated condition of roads, etc. also contribute significantly to road
accidents.
3. Mechanical Factors: Mechanical errors such as driving ill-maintained
vehicle, abrupt mechanical failure, etc. can lead to road accidents.
4. Environmental Factors: Unfavourable terrain, unforeseen natural
calamities, bad weather conditions, etc. cause accidents frequently.
In order to combat these factors, some remedies have been devised and
can be summarised as the 4 ‘E’s.
1. Engineering: Roads should be constructed systematically and
scientifically for the benefits of all commuters. Proper and correct
engineering of roads can assure lower rate of accidents.
2. Enforcements: Regular and strict enforcement of road safety rules and
regulations have managed to bring down accident rates and can
continue to do so in the future.
3. Education: Imparting education on golden rules of the road to each and
every driver and road user will help ensure safer roads for travellers and
vehicles.
4. Emergency Services: Well regulated and effective emergency medical
services can bring down the number of deaths due to accidents
substantially.
Rules of the ROAD -
Here are some key road safety rules to follow:
For Drivers
Wear seatbelts.
Follow speed limits.
Avoid distractions; refrain from using mobile phones while driving.
Drive sober; never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Regularly check and maintain vehicle condition.
For Pedestrians
Use zebra crossings.
Obey traffic lights and signals.
Be visible; wear bright or reflective clothing at night.
Avoid distractions; refrain from using mobile phones while walking.
For Two-Wheelers
Wear helmets; ensure both rider and pillion wear helmets.
Adhere to traffic signals, signs, and speed limits.
Regularly check and maintain vehicle condition.
For Children
When walking, hold an adult's hand.
When in a vehicle, use designated child seats.
Refrain from playing on or near roads.
General Rules
Switch on headlights in low-light conditions.
Use Indicators changing lanes or turning.
Respect other road users. Be courteous and considerate of other drivers,
pedestrians, and cyclists.
Obey all traffic signs and signals.
By following these road safety rules, we can significantly reduce the risk of
accidents and ensure a safer driving experience for everyone.
HELMET - –
As per section 129 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 wearing of helmet both
by the biker and the rider is mandatory.
Two wheelers make up a large portion of those injured or killed on the roads. A
helmet protects from head injuries and fatalities and its use is effective at
reducing fatalities up to 40% and severe head injuries up to 70%. Non-
compliance of this legal requirement is punishable under Motor Vehicles Act,
1988.
DRUNKEN DRIVING –-
Driving under the influence of alcohol can reduce the response time of
the driver of the vehicle. This in turn results in a large number of road
accidents. To reduce these, the enforcement agencies conduct regular checks.
If breath analysis or blood tests indicate a blood alcohol level of 30 mg or more
for every 100 ml blood, for the first offence, the offender could face a fine of
up to ₹ 10,000 and an imprisonment of up to six months. If the offence is
repeated within a year, the fine can go up to ₹ 15,000 along with
imprisonment of up to two years under section 185 of Motor Vehicles Act,
1988.
VEHICULAR EMMISION POLLUTION –-
As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a vehicle completing one year from
the day of initial registration must carry ‘Pollution under control certificate’
from an authorized pollution testing station. The vehicle must undergo
compulsory pollution test every six months. Violation of this provision is
punishable under section 190 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
SEAT BELT –-
A speeding vehicle causes the occupant's body to reach a state of
uniform motion along with the motion of the vehicle which is termed as
inertia. In the event of a collision or sudden use of brake of a vehicle, the
occupant's body still remains in motion due to the force of inertia. A seatbelt
serves as a Primary Restraint System by applying opposite force on the
occupant's body and hence preventing ejection from the vehicle. Additionally it
also keeps the passenger and driver's body in correct position so that air bags
can function with maximum effectiveness during a collision. As a result injuries
can be minimized during collisions. Studies reveal that a significant percentage
of deaths during accidents can be attributed to negligence in fastening of seat
belts. Under section 177 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, non-fastening of seat
belt is a punishable offence.
DRIVING LICENSE –-
A driving license is an official document that permits an individual to
operate a motor vehicle on public roads in India. It is a mandatory
requirement for driving a vehicle, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The
driving license is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the state
where the individual resides. The license is valid for a specific period, usually
20 years, and needs to be renewed after its expiration.
In India, there are different types of driving licenses issued for various
categories of vehicles, such as:
Learner's License: Issued to individuals who are learning to drive.
Permanent License: Issued to individuals who have passed the driving
test.
Commercial License: Issued to individuals who drive commercial
vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and taxis.
To obtain a driving license, an individual must meet the eligibility criteria,
submit the required documents, and pass a driving test.
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT –-
There is a provision in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for granting
International Driving Permit for Indian Citizens to drive in foreign countries. It
is valid for one year only. One can apply in the prescribed form with the
following details to the Local District Transport Officer.
1. Copy of Indian Driving License
2. Copy of Passport and Visa
3. 3 copies of recent passport photo
4. Medical certificate in prescribed form
5. Necessary fee
MAJOR MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS –-
1. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
2. Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989
3. Assam Motor Vehicles Rules, 2003
4. Assam Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1936
5. Assam Motor Vehicles Taxation Rules, 1936
Documents of the vehicle to be carried -
In case of non-transport (personal) vehicle, one may require to produce
the following valid documents of his vehicle on demand by authorised
officials–
In case of Non-Transport (Personal) Vehicle:
1. Registration Certificate.
2. Insurance Certificate.
3. Pollution under control certificate (if the vehicle is 1 year old from the
date of initial registration).
4. Driving licence of the class of vehicle you are driving.
In case of Transport (Commercial) vehicles:
1. Fitness Certificate
2. Up-to-date Road tax receipt or proof thereof
3. Permit
4. Conductor's licence in case of Bus
5. Any other documents as required by permit conditions
TRAFFIC LIGHT –-
ROAD SIGNS –-
Road signs can be referred to those signs which are displayed on the
roadside to guide the pedestrians, cyclists and the vehicle drivers on the rules
of the road or on the forthcoming road circumstances. The United Nations
Economic Commission of Europe (UNECE) in 1947 made road safety as one of
its prime concerns and formulated a Working Party on Road Traffic Safety
known as W.P.1. On 19th September, 1949, a treaty under the Convention on
Protocol on Road Signs and Signals in Geneva was signed under the aegis of
UNECE which came into force on 20th December, 1953. Subsequently, on 8th
November, 1968 in Vienna during a Convention on Road Signs and Signals
some amendments were incorporated and comprehensive deliberations were
made on Road Safety as this was important so as to have uniformity among the
contracting parties on the usage of the signs.
Accordingly in India, uniform road signs are incorporated in Motor Vehicles
Act, 1988.
These road signs are classified into three and these are:
1. Mandatory Road Signs
2. Cautionary Road Signs
3. Informatory Road Signs
P.T.O
Mandatory Road Signs
These are generally in circular shape with red border except some are in
blue colour. Violation of Mandatory Sign is an offence.
Cautionary Road Signs
These signs are indicated in triangular shape with red border.
Informatory Road Signs
These signs give information about facilities on road and these are normally
blue in colour.
ROAD MARKINGS –-
1. Roundabout: A roundabout means an intersection having a central
traffic island. Always slowdown your vehicle and use your indicator
showing where you are proceeding. Where there is lane markings, use
appropriate lane and maintain it. Remember, you must give way to
other traffic on your right.
2. Zebra Crossing: It is for pedestrians to cross the road from either side.
3. White Broken Line: These white broken lines across the road means that
any motorist approaching it is to give preference to oncoming traffic.
4. White or Stop Line: This white line is called stop line. This means, when
you are signalled to stop, you are to stop just before the stop line and
must not cross it. Generally such single or double stop line across the
road is seen near junction or traffic light.
5. Lane Separator: These lines are lane
separators on a road on same direction. To
change lane give proper signal.
If there is a broken line with a solid line running alongside of the
broken line then you are allowed to overtake on the broken side
only and no overtaking is allowed on the side of the solid line.
If there is a broken line on a two way road, you are allowed to
overtake giving proper signal with utmost care.
The yellow line along the edge of the road means you are not
permitted to park your vehicle at all times.
Yellow Dividing Line: A road having a yellow line dividing the road
means the vehicle overtaking another vehicle of same direction
shall not cross the yellow line.