Every year a huge number of road accidents occur in India. Therefore, it is important to follow the crucial safety rules of road for minimizing the cases of such accidents. For example, one should drive within the allowed speed limit and keep traffic signals in mind while driving. Additionally, it is critical to avoid drinking while driving. Apart from following these instructions, it is also essential to keep away mobile phones while you are in the driver’s seat. To reduce the risk of road accidents, you must also be careful about observing the safety rules of road and avoiding reckless driving. Do not forget to take proper measures for road safety.
If you are not aware of what is road safety rules, read further:-
Road Safety Rules in India
India has specific rules and regulations that all drivers must follow to ensure safe driving.
Here mentioned are some of the most important road safety rules in India:-
- Speed Limits – Maintain the safe speed limit of your vehicle to avoid accidents.
- Traffic Signals – Follow the traffic signals to reduce the risk of road mishaps.
- Drink and Drive – Do not drink and drive as it might cause severe damage.
- Driving Under the Influence(DUI) – Drinking under the influence of alcohol can be very risky so you must avoid it.
- Use of mobile phones – Do not use mobile phones while driving.
- Road Signs – Follow the road signs when you are moving on the road.
- Overtaking – Avoid overtaking as it can lead to accidents and severe damage.
- Seat Belts – You must wear seat belts while driving to stay safe in case of accidents.
Road Safety Tips in India
In addition to following the 5 road safety rules, here are some practical road safety instructions that can help you stay safe on the road.
1. Learn and follow safety rules for road
To begin with, you must follow all the essential traffic rules. It is important to learn all the critical safety rules of road.
2. Maintain Your Vehicle
You must maintain the vehicle by getting it serviced on time. In case an accident took place then you must get it repaired to avoid accidents in future.
3. Avoid Distractions
You must completely focus on the road, look ahead and drive avoiding all the distractions to minimize the risk of road accidents.
4. Follow Lane Discipline
Drive carefully on the right lane and you must obey all the safety rules of road.
5. Wear Helmets
If you are riding a 2-wheeler, you must wear helmet. This will help prevent you from getting hurt while driving.
6. Avoid aggressive driving
One of the best ways to avoid road accidents is aggressive driving. It is better to drive at a slow speed rather than driving recklessly.
7. Use Dash Camera
By installing a car dashcam in your car, you will be able to keep a watch on the incidents occurring inside the vehicle. Thereby, ensuring the safety of the vehicle and the driver.
Importance of Traffic Rules in India
Following traffic rules helps to minimize the chances of road accidents. There are various other important of road safety rules in India.
1. They Reduce Accidents and Injuries
One of the major importance of traffic rules and signs is for maintaining safety. Various obstacles that occur on the road can cause harm and put drivers at risk, therefore, to reduce the possibility of accidents, it is essential to adhere to road safety and traffic rules.
2. They Help Manage Traffic Flow
Traffic rules not only help to maintain safety but it is also essential for the efficient movement of traffic. In many cities, heavy traffic can be a major issue. In order to control traffic flow, it is crucial to obey the safety rules of road.
3. They Help Protect Cyclists and Pedestrians
By following Indian road safety rules, pedestrians get to know where they can safely cross the road. It also helps warn drivers to respond to the presence of pedestrians.
What Are the Different Traffic and Road Safety Issues?
India is a country reported with a number of road crash deaths and injuries in the world. India constitutes 1% of the world’s vehicles. However, it accounts for more than 10% of all road crash deaths.
There are different types of traffic and road safety issues:-
1. Heavy Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion is a major issue in India. Due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road, there is an increased risk of accidents.
2. Reckless driving
Today, careless driving continues to be a major problem on Indian roads. Drivers who speed and indulge in dangerous driving behaviours put themselves and others at risk.
3. Pedestrian safety
Pedestrians are often at risk of accidents. The number of motorists is increasing on the roads and therefore, the risk of accidents is also high.
Following road safety rules and regulations can minimize the chances of road accidents.
Road Safety Initiatives Taken by the Indian Government
A number of road safety initiatives have been taken by the Government of India:-
The Ministry of Road Transportation and Highways has taken a number of steps to remedy the situation. Some of the Important Schemes administered by the Road Safety Cell are Publicity Programs and Grants-in-aid to Voluntary Organizations for organising road safety programs. Other Indian road safety rules and initiatives include the National Highway Accident Relief Service Scheme, Refresher Training for Heavy Vehicle Drivers in Unorganized Sector and the Setting up of Model Driving Training schools.
Traffic Challan List and Fines
| Traffic Offense Description | Section of DMVR/CMVR/M.V. Act | Compounding Penalty Amount |
| Red Light Jumping | 119/177 MVA | Rs. 00/- |
| Driving Left Hand Drive without Indicator | 120/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Improper & Obstructive Parking | 122/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Traveling on Running Board (Drive) | 123(1)/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Traveling on Running Board (Passenger) | 123(2)/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Triple Riding on two-wheeler | 149C MVA | Rs. 1000/- |
| Driving without Helmet | 194D MVA | Rs. 1000/- |
| Helmet W/o strap or Strap Not tied | 194D MVA | Rs. 1000/- |
| Defective Helmet (Not Confirming BIS) | 194D MVA | Rs. 1000/- |
| Not Displaying Number Plate or Defective or Fancy Number plate | 50, 51 CMVR/39/192 MVA | Rs. 5000/- |
| Rear View Mirror Turned Inwards | 125(2)CMVR 1989/177 MV Act | Rs. 500/- |
| Misbehavior with Police Officer | 179 MVA | Rs. 2000/- |
| Over Charging by TSR/Taxi | 11.8/177 DMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Refusal by TSR/Taxi Driver | 11.9/177 DMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Driving without Light (After sunset) | 105/177 CMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Driving without Horn | 119(1)/177 CMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Driving without Silencer | 120/190(2) CMVR | Rs. 5000/- |
| Driving with a Defective Number Plate | 50/177 CMVR | Rs. 5000/- |
| Violation of stop Line | 113(1)/177 DMVR | Rs. 00/- |
| Disobeying Lawful Directions | 132/179 MVA | Rs. 2000/- |
| Disobey of lawful direction in case of an accident or damaging property | 132/179 MVA | Rs. 2000/- |
| Allowing unauthorized person to drive | 5/180 MVA | Rs. 5000/- |
| Driving without License | 3/181 MVA | Rs. 5000/- |
| Driving by Minors | 4/181 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Over Speeding LMV | 112.1/183(1) MVA | Rs. 2000/- |
| Over Speeding MMV/HTV | 112.1/183(1) MVA | Rs. 4000/- |
| Driving Dangerously | 184 MVA | Rs. 00/- |
| Using ‘Unregistered Vehicles’ or Displaying “Applied For” | 39/192 MVA | Rs. 2000/- |
| Violation of Yellow Line | 119/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Violation of Restriction of Time on HTV’s/Care on various Road (No Entry ) | 115/194(1) M.V. Act 1988 | Rs. 20000/- |
| Trucks carrying sand/dust without covering (No Entry) | 115/194(1) M.V. Act 1988 | Rs. 20000/- |
| Violation of mandatory signs (One Way No Right Turn, No Left Turn, No Horn) | 119/177 MVA | Rs. 100/- |
| Excess Smoke | 99(1)(a)/177 DMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| W/O Wiper | CMVR 101/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Tinted Glass | CMVR 100.2/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Blowing of Pressure Horn | 96(1)/177 DMVR | Rs. 5000/- |
| Using horn in No Honking/Silence Zone | 194F MVA | Rs. 1000/- |
| Conductor without Uniform | 23(1)/177 DMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Driver without Uniform | 7/177 DMVR | Rs. 100/- |
| Conductor without Badge | 22(1)/177 DMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Conductor without Licence | 129/182 MVA | Rs. 10,000/- |
| Carrying Passengers on Goods Vehicles | 84(2)/177 DMVR | Rs. 00/- |
| Carrying Goods on Passengers Vehicle | 84(3)/177 DMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Use of Coloured Light on Motors Vehicle | 97(2)/177 DMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Smoking in the Vehicles | 86.1(5)/177 DMVR | Rs. 500/- |
| Wrong Passing or Overtaking other Vehicle | 6(1)RRR/177 MVA | Rs. 00/- |
| Drunken Driving | 185 MVA | Rs. 00/- |
| Advertisements on Vehicle | DMVR 71.2/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| RC Violation | 39/192 MVA | Rs 5,000/- |
| W/O PUCC | 115 CMVR /190(2)M.V.A | Rs 10,000/- |
| W/O Insurance | 146/196 MVA | Rs 2,000/- |
| W/o RUPD | CMVR 124.1/190.2 MV Act. | Rs 10,000/- |
| W/o LUPD | CMVR 124.1/190.2 MV Act | Rs 10,000/- |
| No Using Seat Belt | 194B MVA | RS 1000/- |
| W/o Reflector | 104/177 MVA ACT | Rs 500/- |
| Top Light Violation | 108(1) CMVR/177 MVA | Rs 500/- |
| Using high beam | 112(4)(c)/177 MVA | Rs 500/- |
| Without Fitness | 56/192 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| CARRYING HIGH/LONG LOAD / Protruding rods | 194(1A) MVA | Rs. 20000/- |
| Improper or Obstructive Parking | 122/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Violation of Mandatory Signs(One Way,No Right Turn) | 119/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Unauthorized Use Siren | DMVR 107/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Playing Music | DMVR 102/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| Without Log Book | CMVR 85(10) 177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
| W/O Permit | 66.1/192(A) MVA | Rs 10,000/- |
| Not giving way to an emergency vehicle | 194E MVA | Rs 10,000/- |
| Driving in NMV lanes | 115/194(1) MVA | Rs. 20000/- |
| Plying of old age Diesel/Petrol vehicles (more than 15/10 years) | 39/192/207 MVA | Rs. 00/- |
| Obstructive Driving(Extra Passenger on Driver Seat) | 125/177 MVA | Rs. 500/- |
Conclusion
Road safety is one of the most important issues in India. It is critical to maintain road safety to minimize the number of accidents that occur on the road. We must obey all the traffic signals, follow the permitted speed limits, and at the same time understand the significance of safe driving to reduce the risk of accidents.
Just the way we follow other governmental rules, we must follow the important road safety guidelines and traffic rules for road safety to ensure safety and also assure the safety of pedestrians and other motorists.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are traffic rules?
Traffic rules are a list of directions given to drivers either through police officers regulating traffic. These traffic rules must be followed by all the vehicle drivers for the safety of the pedestrians and to reduce the risk of road accidents.
2. Why is it important to obey speed limits?
Speed limits are set to keep the pedestrians as well as the motorists safe on the road. Therefore, the reason people should obey traffic rules is to maintain road safety and for the safety of the people walking or driving on the road.
3. Why is it important to wear seat belts?
If you wear a seat belt you will remain safe during a crash. Thus, wearing a seat belt keeps you safe and secure inside your vehicle. However, if you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown out of the vehicle and suffer injuries.
4. What is the purpose of traffic signals?
Traffic signals have a wide variety of particular uses. For example,
- To maintain a safe flow of traffic
- To keep pedestrians and vehicles safe
- To minimize accident frequency and severity
5. What are some examples of reckless driving?
Reckless driving is one of the many causes of road accidents. If the driver is driving in a careless way it means that he is driving recklessly. Such cases of harsh driving can lead to severe accidents.
6. What are the most important road safety rules to follow while driving in India?
There is a list of Indian road safety rules that you must follow while driving in India:-
- You must always walk on the sidewalk. Otherwise, you must walk on the side of the road in the direction facing the road traffic.
- You must turn off your headphones while crossing a street to stay aware of the approaching traffic.
- You must be extremely careful during gusty weather conditions.
7. Are there any specific road safety tips I should keep in mind while driving at night in India?
If you are driving at night in India, you must
- Check if all the lights of the car are working fine
- Clean windows and windscreens
- Do not overspeed
- Avoid driving if you are tired
- Be careful of drunk drivers
8. How can I ensure the safety of my children while travelling in a car in India?
To ensure the safety of your children while travelling in a car in India, you must activate the kids safety locks, and you must maintain a slow driving speed and avoid reckless driving.
9. What are the penalties for breaking road safety rules in India?
The penalty for driving a vehicle without a valid Driving Licence is increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000. However, the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol has increased significantly to Rs. 10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.
10. What precautions should I take while driving on highways and expressways in India?
Unpredictability can lead to a number of calamities on the highway. So, you must maintain a constant speed. Avoid night time driving to minimize the risk of accidents. Also, you must not involve in overtaking a vehicle and drive carefully.
