Traffic Signs and Road Safety in India
Traffic signs in India are like a guide on the road and thus, having good knowledge about them is a must for everyone especially the person driving the vehicle. Traffic signs in India are there to provide the necessary information to the driver about the road ahead and ensure there is no unnecessary disruption in traffic. All major junctions and roads need instructions and also information is needed about the road conditions, thus, making the traffic signs in India very important.
Traffic signs and road safety in India are a must know for everyone to make sure they are safe on roads and so are the people around them. Good knowledge and understanding of the road signs in India reduce the number of accidents that happen on the road. India has one of the highest numbers of road accidents in the world. For those who are not fluent with English, they can see the traffic signs and symbols in Hindi and understand for their safety. It is important to know the sign as this is what can be noticed while driving.
Requirement and Importance to Know Traffic Signs in India
It is required to know the traffic signs and road safety in India when applying for a driving license. An oral or written test has to be given to get a license to drive in India and thus, knowing the traffic rules and signs in India with their meanings is necessary. Driving without a valid license is a criminal offense. Traffic rules and signs are important because of the following reasons:
- Ensures smooth traffic as it informs the driver about the correct lanes to drive in
- Knowing traffic rules in India reduces the number of accidents by ensuring discipline of the roads
- Provide instructions and information on the road condition ahead
- All information about important curves and junctions, the presence of school and hospitals and speed limits is provided
- The traffic rules and signs inform the driver about entry and exit points and about parking areas
- Provides drivers to follow the traffic rules in India and about potential dangers on the road
The Signs
Traffic is a problem in our country and one of the main reasons is the lack of implementation of rules and the enforcement and also less knowledge about traffic rules and signs in India. The authorities have become strict in issuing licenses and through exams and tests, they ensure complete knowledge of traffic rules and signs in India. Traffic signs and road safety in India is being taken very seriously by the authorities and they are taking many steps to improve the present situation.
Some of the signs that each and every driver on the road should be aware of are:
Mandatory Traffic Signs
Mandatory traffic signs in India are made to ensure the traffic moves freely. With the knowledge of these signs, the drivers come to know about the prohibitions and the rules and regulations which they need to keep in mind while driving on the road. If any of the traffic rules are violated, it is considered to be an offence. Some of the mandatory traffic signs are “Stop”, “No Entry”, “One Way”, “Right Turn Prohibited”, “Speed Limit” etc. These are the signs that should be known to anyone as a violation of these can land one in trouble with the police.
Cautionary Traffic Signs
These are the road signs in India which are made to inform the driver about the potential dangers and the hazards on the road. This ensures the driver is more careful and is also mentally prepared for any problems that he may face. Some of the examples of these signs are, “Pedestrian Crossing”, “Narrow road ahead”, “Hair Pin Bend”, “Round About” etc. The traffic signs and symbols in Hindi are also available for people to understand the rules.
Informatory Signs
These are the Indian traffic signs with their meanings which inform the driver about distance, directions, alternative routes, destinations and important places like hospitals, schools etc.
One of the biggest concerns for the authorities in the country is the number of accidents. Due to this reason, many traffic rules and signs are being made and updated regularly to ensure better safety. Education and implementation of rules is a concern and thus, it is required that these are taught early on to the population. Anyone on the road should know about traffic rules in India along with signals so that they can be safe and ensure others around them are safe too. When anyone is on the road, they must pay attention to the traffic signs in India and be patient. This will avoid traffic jams and reduce the number of accidents.