Every now and then, we come across new vehicles on the road.
Hence, it is vital to know and to follow the basic road safety rules and to
ensure that everyone else follow these rules too. The road safety rules are
designed to suit the best interest of the Indian citizens. In a huge country
like India, it may be difficult to execute these safety rules; but, it is not
impossible.
Here
are 30 essential road safety rules to be followed in India:
1.
Keep Left:
Drive
adjacent to the left side of the road and let other vehicles in the opposite
direction to pass on the right hand side.
2.
Turning Left:
If you
want to turn left, stay close to the left side and then, turn left. After
turning, continue to stay to the left side of the road.
3.
Turning Right:
When
you want to turn right, you should first come to the center of the road
carefully and then, turn right keeping your vehicle close to the left side of
the road.
4.
Passing:
Always
remember to pass or overtake the vehicle in front of yours from its right side.
5.
Passing Prohibited:
Overtaking
or passing a vehicle and progress in the same direction is prohibited in the
following cases:
If
overtaking or passing causes trouble to any other vehicle moving in any
direction
Overtaking
is prohibited in a curve as you may not have a clear view of the road ahead and
sometimes, it may lead to serious accidents
It is
not wise to overtake or pass if you see the other vehicle's driver already
starting to overtake your vehicle
If the
other driver does not give a signal allowing your vehicle to overtake their
vehicle
6.
When another Vehicle Overtakes your Vehicle:
You
should not try to increase your speed or do anything that prevents the other
vehicle from passing or overtaking.
7.
Intersections:
You
should be extra cautious while approaching a junction, intersections or a
crossing. Make sure that your vehicle does not cause any inconvenience to other
vehicles or pedestrians.
8.
Right of Way:
While
approaching an intersection, always give a right of way to vehicles already
progressing on that particular road. In other cases, you should proceed only after
giving way to vehicles approaching from the right side of the road..
9.
Emergency Vehicles:
As a
road user, it is your responsibility to give way to fire service vehicles and
ambulances.
10.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians
have the right of way at pedestrian crossings or zebra crossings.
11.
“U” Turns:
U
turns can only be taken when
There
is no warning sign nearby
You
give a proper indication to other vehicle drivers that you are going to take a
U turn either by hand signals or vehicle indicators
You
confirm through the mirrors that there is no traffic behind your vehicle
There
is no traffic around your vehicle and take U turn only when it is safe
12.
Required Signals:
If
your vehicle indicators get damaged without any warning, what will you do? At
this juncture, hand signals can be really helpful and hence, it is essential
for you to learn them. Here are certain situations where hand signs can be used
when your vehicle indicator or brakes are not in proper working condition:
When
your vehicle is slowing down
When
your vehicle is preparing to stop
When
you are planning to turn right or overtake a vehicle from the right side
When
you plan to turn left
When
you give permission to the vehicle behind you to overtake your vehicle
13.
Indicators:
By
using mechanical devices or electronic devices, you can simplify the signals
for indication.
14.
Parking:
When
you park the vehicle, make sure that it does not cause any hurdle or
disturbance to any other road users.
15.
Registration:
No
goods or loads should be kept in a way that hinders the visibility of other
vehicles, the headlamps, tail lamps or the vehicle's registration number. If
the vehicle's registration number is some way tampered, it should be replaced
immediately with a duplicate one.
16.
One way Roads:
In the
case of one way roads, try to drive only in the direction indicated on the road
signs. Never park your vehicle in reverse on a one way street.
17.
Stop Lines:
When
there are stop lines on the road, ensure that you stop the vehicle behind those
lines.
18.
Towing:
No
vehicles should be towed closer to other vehicles on the road. Some of the
exceptions are:
Vehicles
that are mechanically disabled
x
Partially
assembled vehicles
Registered
trailers and sidecars
All
these vehicles are allowed to tow for the purpose of delivery, reaching the
nearest service station, or garage.
19.
Noise:
Drivers
should not:
Use
the horn needlessly
Use
the horn in prohibited areas like hospital zones, school zones, etc.
Use
horns that are blaring, irritating, or loud
Use
vehicles that cause a lot of noise when in motion
Drive
vehicles without proper silencers
20.
Traffic Lights and Signs:
Always
obey traffic signs, the instructions given by traffic officials or any other
authorized person.
21.
Following Distance:
It is
better to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you since there is
a chance for the vehicle to stop suddenly. When you keep sufficient distance,
you will be able to avoid unnecessary hazards.
22.
Right of way on Steep Roads:
When
the width of the road decreases, it will be difficult for each vehicle to pass
at the same time. In such cases, it is always better to stop your vehicle aside
and let the other vehicle pass.
23.
Obstruction of Control:
You
should not allow anything that obstructs the view of the road. No one should be
permitted to settle, stand, or place anything that hinders his control on the
vehicle.
24.
Passing Pedestrians:
Do not
drive your vehicle at a speed of more than 25 km/hr, especially when you pass a
procession, meeting, strike, or a march.
25.
Tractor and Goods Carriages:
It is
not allowed to carry passengers on a tractor. Also, drivers of good carriages
should not allow more passengers than registered.
26.
Loading:
It is
dangerous to overload vehicle with materials. There should not be anything in
the loads that extend towards the front, back or rear side of the vehicle that
cause inconvenience to other road users. Also, it should follow the height
restrictions decided by the authorities.
27.
Hazardous / Dangerous Materials:
It
is better for a public transport service to not carry explosive, inflammable,
or harmful substances as it can be dangerous to them as well as other road
users.
28.
Driving in Reverse:
When
you take reverse, you should ensure that it does not cause annoyance to any
other people on the road.
29.
Essential Documents:
A
driver should possess the following documents while driving a vehicle: –
Driving
license
Registration
certificate of the vehicle
Taxation
certificate
Insurance
certificate
Fitness
certificate
Safe
Driving Permit
All
the above documents should be produced on the demand of a police officer or any
authorized person. If the documents are not with them, either the attested
copies should be given to the officer directly or sent by post within 15 days.
30.
Additional Regulations:
In
addition to the rules mentioned above, the drivers should be aware about their
duties, speed limits, weight limits, signals, etc. Also, they should have an
idea about the consequences of driving vehicles without relevant documents,
drunken driving etc.
The
above mentioned rules can be very much valuable for people of all ages. These
rules can make the people safe and secure on the roads. Every year, the number
of vehicles on road goes on increasing; so does the importance of road safety.
Hence, knowing essential road safety rules can help you and your friends from
road related crisis.
