Stop this carnage!!

Crashes; reckless driving; road rage; deaths and injuries on road; congestion; air and noise pollution...it seems we just cant get enough when it comes to 'Traffic on Roads'. The irony is, it just keeps on growing with no possibility of cessation anywhere. The number of road fatalities and crashes is enormous, and so is the loss financially, physically and emotionally.
The following video "I don't want to die on the road", has been put together by the NGO 'Behtar Dilli', working for the betterment of India's capital, New Delhi. This video focuses exclusively at the scenario prevalent in Delhi where at least four people die on roads everyday!

For more information on 'BehtarDilli', log onto http://behtardilliblog.wordpress.com/

Try these Awareness Tests..

Cyclists and Pedestrians are the vulnerable lot, more probable of being victimized in Road Crashes. Road fatality statistics all over the world reveal the same pattern. Although not much attention is paid to them in our part of the world, certain awareness campaigns do reflect the need of the hour which is required. The awareness tests for cyclists safety, several TV commercials devised by Transport for London is commendable and thought provoking indeed. Have a Look:

Look out for cyclists...pedestrians...children...and lot more while driving!  Be safe. 

Is Enforcement the Only answer??

Every time I see people not adhering to traffic rules makes me wonder Why is the enforcement needed to tell us as to what is right or safe for us? Driving license holders are 18+ year age group. So aren't we mature enough to discriminate between what is right and wrong, and to what is safe or unsafe for us?
Recently I happened to visit Dehradun (District Uttarakhand, India) and I was happy to see women two-wheeler drivers wearing helmets though only the drivers and not the pillion riders. More so many of them purchasing things on roadside with their helmets on and not minding the way they looked, which was good sight for me as back here the place I live in, majority of women two-wheeler riders do not bother to wear helmets (as it is not enforced here for some religious reason). Ironically enforcement again was the answer, it is compulsory for the women riders in Dehradun to wear helmet which is the reason they adhered to it. Why things have to be enforced and it cannot come from within?

Road crashes come unannounced and we have to accept the fact that we human beings are not invincible, so being safe and doing everything for our own safety, of our near and dear ones and to the other road users is of prime importance. Mobility is a necessity and so is our safety when mobile!!

City Traffic Police goes Hi-tech!!

With the number of ever increasing vehicles on roads, combating traffic, negotiating with some enraged and undisciplined drivers, I bet it takes more than just a driving skill to take on roads these days. The enforcement is doing its bit to help lessen the traffic chaos on roads and also to duly punish the offenders. The Traffic Police Chandigarh resorted to came online so as to interact with the public through the medium they are most comfortable with. Coming on-board with the most famous Social Networking site 'Facebook' in June this year, public has welcomed the initiative full-throttle. From posting pictures, to get clarifications regarding various activities and traffic laws that exist, this initiative has not only enhanced the Traffic Police public image but has also tried to win back the confidence of the people at large. No doubts this strategy has proven successful with the Police issuing 644 challans/traffic tickets against violators in two months on traffic violations which were evident via the pictures uploaded by the city residents.
Now other strategy to be launched today in order to inform the public about traffic situations in the city, Traffic Police Chandigarh is going to start with 'SMS' alerts. The SMS Cellphone subscribers will get information on traffic jams, security arrangements, diversions together with certain tips on Road Safety. Other cities in which this service is already operational are Bangalore, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kolkata and New Delhi.
Now that the Police is going Hi-tech, the outreach will be immense and steps like these are more than welcome.
For more on this:
http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/11/stories/2011061161481600.htm
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/At-6-paisa-receive-traffic-alerts-for-lifetime/articleshow/9889959.cms
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110907/cth1.htm#7

Smile :)

A nice forwarded mail just to make you Smile :)

It Is Time! How do you know when it is time to"hang up the car keys"? I say when your dog has this look on his face!

A picture is worth a thousand words!!

Training Programme on Driver Diagnostics at CRRI, New Delhi

I recently attended a course on Driver Diagnostics: Performance, Evaluation and Training program at the Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi. The 'Traffic and Transportation Planning' wing of the Institute that primarily deals with 'Traffic Engineering and Road Safety' conducted this training program. This course primarily dealt with training of the trainers who would use the knowledge provided to further the cause of Road Safety.
Kudos to Dr. S. Gangopadhyay, Director, CRRI, course coordinator Dr. Neelima Chakrabarty together with the entire team, who took great pains to put this programme together and brought new perspective to our knowledge.  More than anything else it was a remarkable experience to connect with so many other professionals who participated in this workshop.
The best part was hands-on experience of putting out knowledge to practice and working on the lab equipments and simulator.
Looking at the growing traffic crashes and human fatalities, everyone in road traffic eco-system will have to become active partners to spread awareness, practice discipline, and value other lives on the road.  Respect for others and our own self, and conscious attempt to avoid dangerous driving, knowingly or unknowingly, can help us retrieve the dismal situation.

P.S.: I am attaching the power point presentation of our group. Anyone interested can have a look with the following link and download it.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0BzhAqUscyfctZjQ0NGM4NWUtYzkzNC00OTU4LWJjOGMtMGJjNWJlMzE5ZGIw&hl=en_US

Experts Speak on Road Safety!!

In a bid to learn about 'Road Safety', I attended a Conference on 'Public Private Partnership in Road Transport and Infrastructure' at New Delhi. Here are some viewpoints on 'Road Safety' from the experts:

Mr. Rohit Baluja-President, Institute for Road Traffic Education (IRTE), New Delhi

''1,30,000 people die in India and almost 1.5million are seriously injured. The problem is basically that we need a political will. The will has to come from the top and it has to flow down from the politicians to the bureaucracy and then it comes down to the people. But what the people can do is atleast do not buy license. Go through a proper driving training test, do not be in such a hurry that you want to lose your life, coz Life is precious and make sure as little violations would do, would be best for us and the country. This will be the contribution from a Road User.''

Professor S.L.Dhingra, IIT Bombay

''Road Safety consists of three to four components- environmental safety, geometric component and traffic component, everything should be as per the specifications and desirability. For Road Safety we have to conduct couple of audits, safety audit per se but with that component of geometric audit, traffic audit and environmental audit. Social audit is also important in which Human behavior has to be studied like enforcement and the like. The things should be studied from all the angles, but we think geometric audit is very important where geometrics are considered for example if curves are not properly defined, visibility is not there, markings, signange or signals,  widening on the curves, the super elevation on the curves and so on are very important. In other countries accident reconstruction is done, which is quite significant. Accident reconstruction is  to find out the different causative factors leading to road accidents, where you can re-do the model by changing different factors one at a time as there'll be n number of factors and then coming up to the factor that might be contributing the most towards the Road accidents, we call it 'Crash' rather than 'Accidents'. Then the spot is identified, experiments are done and safe way of moving and reacting, taking care of all the specifications which are there and are meant for it are done.''

Professor Pradip Sarkar- Department of Transport Planning, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi

''Road Safety problem in India is very very important with respect to saving our valuable lives and also of our society . More than one lakh and thirty thousand people die in India every year because of Road and Transport related accidents. So, the question is when you look at the Road safety aspects in the developed countries, you will find there is a major difference and practically if you look at the victims of Road accidents all over the world, over one billion people have died particularly India takes ten percent of that. Who are to be blamed and responsible for it? I think we all have to blame ourselves. If one has to be a good Road User please drive carefully and if you have to drive carefully, you need to get your driving license in the most rational, judicious mode and knowledgeable way. Its not that you approach the Regional Transport or the Road Transport Office to get your license. You have to be fully prepared not only with the books but also practice yourself so that you take an oath that you never ever make any mistakes when you drive on the roads. If you have that commitment to drive and when you drive your vehicles without being drunk and with alertness, also realizing the fact that you are carrying a vehicle which is more than a ton and if in case it touches anybody it can not only cause fatality but also other problems as well. Therefore, you have to be morally conscious as your driving has lot of effect on others as well who can fall into dangerous situations because of wrong driving. So, drive safely and save the society from your good driving.''

Dothy Harjanto, Port Industry,  Indonesia

''Speaking about Road Safety I think most of the developing nations has the same problem. Problems like Road infrastructure, regulation, awareness among the people, public transportation that government and community provides and also law enforcement. In Indonesia, we have new regulation regarding Road and Transport management, we have 'tax progressive' for owning cars. In order to minimize the number of cars on roads, the people are expected to use Public transportation which reduces the traffic and expected to reduce the road fatalities. Other regulation is 'Three in One' during peak hours which implies there should be atleast three people in one car otherwise the government will put a fine. This works as most of the people prefer to stay at the office during those hours or they come early reducing the traffic chaos on roads.'' 

Traffic Lights!!

Traffic Lights are ought to be taken seriously....Well here is an example!!

Puts a whole new meaning of  "never run a red light!!" Did you know Gibraltar's Airport runway and vehicular  traffic crossings are at the same level..

Confession of a Road Rage VICTIM!!

It was just another day...a routine drive back home from University..abiding to traffic rules, minimal horn honking,, enjoying the monsoon not-so-dreary weather..trying to be a civilised driver until the moment I hear an emergency siren and up goes my awareness level!!
What the...Am I blocking an Ambulance path...Is someone loosing on its Golden Hour. It was just an audio signal and without looking back in my  rear-view mirror, I accelerated past a bus hurriedly to clear the way for the vehicle behind me, which I thought was an ambulance, and help it carry the unfortunate person who might be at a critical stage of his life. Lo and Behold, soon i was overtaken by a Maruti with a bogus siren.
I was shocked more than surprised to see this guy who's unlawfully using the aid of an 'emergency siren' only to get across.. was he REALLY asking for a way?
I had a fleeting glimpse of a headphone totting youngster, swearing at me with enraged expressions. Then suddenly he pulled up in front of my car slowing down much to my amazement. He tried to block my way for quite sometime, and when I managed to overtake him, he tailgated me, honking and at time, coming by my side, and pleading with folded hands to me to stop.
This was completely bizarre...on one hand he was trying to shout at the top of his voice verbally accusing, and at another instance trying to request to stop for him. I could not understand his behaviour.
I decided to play cool and keep my calm avoiding any direct eye contact with him, and at one stage, did think of reporting him to any traffic police or PCR but there wasn't any on way.  This ten minute ordeal seemed like ages, and at one stage, I did think of stopping, coming out and thrashing him. That would have been another case of road rage. However, I decided otherwise, and was able to dodge him and reach my destination...safe and sound.
Many of my friends often reported such incidents, but for me, this was my first experience of road rage and stalking.

Traffic 'Lessons'

I just received a forwarded message which is purported to have been written by an expat on “Driving and traffic in India”.   Though hilarious but a sad state of affair.

Driving and traffic in India.

This hilarious article was written by an Expat from Baan, Netherlands, who spent two years in Hyderabad.

For the benefit of every Tom, Dick and Harry visiting India and daring to drive on Indian roads, I am offering a few hints for survival. They are applicable to every place in India except Bihar, where life outside a vehicle is only marginally safer.

Indian road rules broadly operate within the domain of karma where you do your best, and leave the results to your insurance company. The hints are as follows:

Do we drive on the left or right of the road?

The answer is "both". Basically you start on the left of the road, unless it is occupied. In that case, go to the right, unless that is also occupied. Then proceed by occupying the next available gap, as in chess. Just trust your instincts, ascertain the direction, and proceed. Adherence to road rules leads to much misery and occasional fatality. Most drivers don't drive, but just aim their vehicles in the intended direction. Don't you get discouraged or underestimate yourself except for a belief in re-incarnation, the other drivers are not in any better position.

Don't stop at pedestrian crossings just because some fool wants to cross the road. You may do so only if you enjoy being bumped in the back. Pedestrians have been strictly instructed to cross only when traffic is moving slowly or has come to a dead stop because some minister is in town. Still some idiot may try to wade across, but then, let us not talk ill of the dead.

Blowing your horn is not a sign of protest as in some countries. We horn to express joy, resentment, frustration, romance and bare lust (two brisk blasts), or, just mobilize a dozing cow in the middle of the bazaar.

Keep informative books in the glove compartment. You may read them during traffic jams, while awaiting the chief minister's motorcade, or waiting for the rainwaters to recede when over ground traffic meets underground drainage.

Occasionally you might see what looks like a UFO with blinking colored lights and weird sounds emanating from within. This is an illuminated bus, full of happy pilgrims singing bhajans. These pilgrims go at breakneck speed, seeking contact with the Almighty, often meeting with success.

Auto Rickshaw (Baby Taxi): The result of a collision between a rickshaw and an automobile, this three-wheeled vehicle works on an external combustion engine that runs on a mixture of kerosene oil and creosote. This triangular vehicle carries iron rods, gas cylinders or passengers three times its weight and dimension, at an unspecified fare. After careful geometric calculations, children are folded and packed into these auto rickshaws until some children in the periphery are not in contact with the vehicle at all. Then their school bags are pushed into the microscopic gaps all round so those minor collisions with other vehicles on the road cause no permanent damage. Of course, the peripheral children are charged half the fare and also learn Newton's laws of motion en route to school. Auto-rickshaw drivers follow the road rules depicted in the film Ben Hur, and are licensed to irritate.

Mopeds: The moped looks like an oil tin on wheels and makes noise like an electric shaver. It runs 30 miles on a teaspoon of petrol and travels at break-bottom speed. As the sides of the road are too rough for a ride, the moped drivers tend to drive in the middle of the road; they would rather drive under heavier vehicles instead of around them and are often “mopped" off the tarmac.

Leaning Towers of Passes: Most bus passengers are given free passes and during rush hours, there is absolute mayhem. There are passengers hanging off other passengers, who in turn hang off the railings and the overloaded bus leans dangerously, defying laws of gravity but obeying laws of surface tension. As drivers get paid for overload (so many Rupees per kg of passenger), no questions are ever asked. Steer clear of these buses by a width of three passengers.

One-way Street: These boards are put up by traffic people to add jest in their otherwise drab lives. Don't stick to the literal meaning and proceed in one direction. In metaphysical terms, it means that you cannot proceed in two directions at once. So drive, as you like, in reverse throughout, if you are the fussy type. Least I sound hypercritical; I must add a positive point also. Rash and fast driving in residential areas has been prevented by providing a "speed breaker"; two for each house.
This mound, incidentally, covers the water and drainage pipes for that residence and is left untarred for easy identification by the corporation authorities, should they want to recover the pipe for year-end accounting.

Night driving on Indian roads can be an exhilarating experience (for those with the mental makeup of Genghis Khan). In a way, it is like playing Russian roulette, because you do not know who amongst the drivers is loaded. What looks like premature dawn on the horizon turns out to be a truck attempting a speed record. On encountering it, just
pull partly into the field adjoining the road until the phenomenon passes. Our roads do not have shoulders, but occasional boulders. Do not blink your lights expecting reciprocation. The only dim thing in the truck is the driver, and with the peg of illicit arrack (alcohol) he has had at the last stop, his total cerebral functions add up to little more than a naught.

Truck drivers are the James Bonds of India, and are licensed to kill. Often you may encounter a single powerful beam of light about six feet above the ground. This is not a super motorbike, but a truck approaching you with a single light on, usually the left one. It could be the right one, but never get too close to investigate. You may prove your point posthumously.

Of course, all this occurs at night, on the trunk roads. During the daytime, trucks are more visible, except that the drivers will never show any Signal. (And you must watch for the absent signals; they are the greater threat). Only, you will often observe that the cleaner who sits next to the driver, will project his hand and wave hysterically. This is definitely not to be construed as a signal for a left turn. The waving is just a statement of physical relief on a hot day.

If, after all this, you still want to drive in India, have your lessons between 8 pm and 11 am-when the police have gone home and the citizen is then free to enjoy the 'FREEDOM OF SPEED' enshrined in our constitution.

Five Tips to Make Your Child Traffic-Safe.

What happens when your child is away attending school? Is he being taken on school bus. Or like in India, a cycle rickshaw is employed to carry your child to and back from school? Or may be a servant at home, or an office boy carries out the chore?
Well, whatever the mode may be it is essential that you make your child road-safe.
According to WHO's Global Status Report on Road Safety, road accidents are the second most important reason of death of 5-29 years old. Road crashes happen every 4.5 minutes in our part of the world. The best therefore, the parents must do is to take special interest in road safety of their families, especially children.
The video I shot recently shows the glaring and daring antics that children indulge in when not being watched. Even the adults, the parents and others ferrying children on their scooters, motorbikes, or bicycles and even rickshaws adopt wrong practices, jeopardising the life of children.

However, the parents must take the responsibility to teach the fundamentals of road use to their children.
a. Teach them the fundamentals of walking or driving on the road. Where, how and when they should cross the road.
b. Acquaint your child with the traffic rules, the road signs, and the right way to use the road.
c. Instruct your cycle rickshawallah or servant or whosoever picks up your child to strictly follow the traffic rules.
d. Talk to your school principal to instruct the school bus drivers, auto- and cycle-rickshaw drivers to follow traffic rules and ensure complete safety of children.
e. Walk the Talk. You as a parent has the greatest responsibility to follow the traffic rules and demonstrate with your own conduct. Children learn and acquire the knowledge through not what you say, but what you do.

The Unfortunate Incident

Its better to be safe than sorry.
Each one of us knows this phrase quite well and often we suggest it to others on pin pointing their mistakes, but how often do we apply on our own lives?

Life often teaches you the hard way if not given heed to. When it comes to Road Safety, it is wiser to consider the safer options. This unfortunate incident that happened in one of the streets of Sector-20, Chandigarh tells the ill-fated saga. The driver of this vehicle (Maruti 800) banged head-on with another car (Maruti Swift). The onlookers said that the driver was driving (Maruti 800) recklessly and was quite rash. Despite of the fact he had his 8 months pregnant wife sitting next to him on the passenger seat, this didn't budge him from driving negligently. The result, his wife lost one eye completely and is in a critical condition. May God bless her child. Please drive safe and arrive SAFE.
P.S. The woman was not wearing her seat-belt.

Bumper philosophy!!

People have unusual ways to express themselves...and when on roads communicating through pictures and text on car bumpers makes interesting readings.  Surprisingly and very aptly these slogans either painted or stuck on the rear glass or bumpers are public announcements of their inner self...their attitude...and in a way, what they think.  That is also possibly the way they drive.


The sticker on the car (above) says "Only Death Can Stop Me".  This man (or woman) would definitely go far. Or is he saying, beware, I'm a dangerous driver!

There are others who reign in their own 'fantasy' world and feels glad to share their imagination among strangers in a public territory (roads)

The word 'Venom' itself symbolizes negativity, anger, hatred..and that is not a good sign esp. when on roads..

Some trying to communicate of 'who they are'...Well, are they really 'the ones'?

While some in a bid to flaunt their image land up being mocked at for their 'spelling errors'

There may be variety of reasons why people put up stickers and other accessories on their cars. But it has also been observed that these expressions on the cars portray the driver's or owner's personality.  A research study by William Szlemko of Colorado State University firmly believes that drivers with stickers and decals are far more likely to use their vehicles to express rage. This phenomena can be traced back to the concept of 'territoriality'. 
A social scientist Szlemko defines territorial spaces of three kinds.  Home or one's bedroom can be categorised as personal territory. The secondary territory is one's office or work station, the space which an individual temporarily owns. Third is public domain like park benches, cinema halls, and roads.  
But, I feel that, one's vehicle, especially a car is another very very personal territory of the owner, who uses it on the public territory i.e. road, and knowingly or unknowingly is very possessive of his/her territory, including the public space of road occupied by the vehicle. And some of the outspoken would define their territory very vehemently by putting up special stickers, and personalized markers and accessories, and any attempt to violate this space can result in aggression. 

Creativity backed with resourcefulness-How Safe?

Passing by full throttle, this band of workers after hard day's work merrily whizzed away at an average speed of 20kms/hr. Where accessibility to public transport is not much an option, finding a creative though risky alternative seems to be an easy way out for them. 

Things left undone

Job done with responsibility is a job well done and when it is not done like that...its something like this..

Maybe the construction workers were too busy to post any warning signages for the incomplete slip road. The result an unfortunate Bus got stuck trying to ply on that route. This was just a daylight scenario THINK what it would be like under the guise of darkness...

Kindly excuse me

Traffic signs are meant to be understood. And the problem is that someone who executes the project may not be concerned about what it means. Just as you can see in some of the road signs..

Well, it does tell you what to do... :P

This is the lane marking (read my earlier post), the MC was quick enough to make its amend though, after it was reported in a local newspaper 

The mobile cane-juicer. No number plate. That means no registration. Just a 'jugaad' vehicle...a mobile restaurant, complete with a juicer, a chair, and the umbrella.

And look what all this jugaddu gaadi had on it. 

Which message to focus on??Information overload!!

Lane Driving? What??

Lately lot of initiatives have been taken to educate the masses about Lane Driving in Chandigarh. Awareness campaigns, digital messages displayed on the traffic signals(sector-17), together with  announcements through loudspeakers at intersections and to top it all the fine for its violation have also been implemented.
If this is not enough, a lame attempt of marking the roads with paint demarcating different lanes has also been made. But people still do not know the significance of lane driving. A gaping mouth with expressionless face is what you get when you put across this question. The irony is people tend to underestimate its importance. As per research studies,  ''Human factors are reported to cause or contribute to 90-95% of traffic accidents'' (Lajunen, Parker & Summala, 2004; Rumar, 1985) and when enlisting the 'Top Five Human factors contributing towards accident involvement', Careless/Erratic Lane changing was found to be at the third place.

The awareness campaigns that included putting up banners at various intersections in the city.

The Lane marking demarcating the Lanes for '2 & 3 Wheelers on extreme left' while 'Public Transport 4-Wheeler passenger & goods vehicle stands at the centre' while the 'passing lane' on extreme right stands text-free.

Well, who's following what lane?

Related links for news on Lane driving in Chandigarh:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ut-cops-plan-lane-driving-awareness-campaign/773796/

http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/CHD-now-driving-in-wrong-lane-can-cost-you-rs-300-1987185.html

References:

Lajunen, T., Parker, D., & Summala, H. (2004).  The Manchester Driver Behaviour Questionnaire: A cross-cultural study. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 36, 231-238.

Rumar, K. (1985). The role of perceptual and cognitive filters in observed behaviour. In L. Evans and R.C. Schwing (Eds.), Human Behaviour and Traffic Safety (pp. 151-165). New York: Plenum Press. 

In the midst of darkness...

Well, this is a view of the road with dysfunctional street lights. Is it a one-way road, traffic lane or??.....

Now as you can see, the median is visible but can you spot out any mode of transport in the passing lane about 50 meters away?? Look closely....

Now, you can (a rickshaw)

Right from dysfunctional street lights to invisible median to reflector less Rickshaw on road...Hazardous indeed...Car drivers especially must be extra cautious at night on Chandigarh roads or this could be anywhere. 

Who is Responsible??

Avoidable mishaps. A picture is worth thousand words....here it says it all..

Labourer working without wearing any reflector jacket during rush hours

Construction material left unattended and unmarked, the moment it's time to call of the day. 

And so are the road rollers and other equipment...proudly blocking the road. 

Traffic Bites

Being a traffic cop can have adverse consequences. Literally. One is quite familiar with the marshal getting knocked down by a car or a two-wheeler in a bid to stop the violator. Chandigarh had quite a few of such incidents. At here is the latest. They also get  bitten in the process.
Just a few days back a city cop hailed down a women talking on her mobile while driving. Chandigarh Police is known for its strict enforcement.  She stopped and the moment cop reached  inside in order to  turn off the ignition of her car, the woman sprang into action and bit him. As one could see in the newspaper reports, she was remorseless. And so were many others, as later in the evening in a party, many women appreciated the woman's 'biting' act.  Another party guy smilingly said, "the cop asked for it."
Well, so much for our traffic cops. Their image has literally taken a beating.  But what about our woman driver?  Was she angry? Or did she find the cop's hand intruding into her car to switch off the ignition as an affront and an open intervention into her very personal domain? Surely that must have been one of the reason and a lesson for the traffic cops indeed to understand the personal psychological domain that a driver of a vehicle carries around him/her.
At the same time it also shows an open defiance to authority, a complete expression of hostility and 'road rage' of a different dimension, that requires to be looked at with deep concern.
You can read more on:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-23/chandigarh/29466066_1_head-constable-challan-om-prakash

Indian Cinema rewrites 'Traffic Rules'

Everyone knows the impact the cinema has on the society. And yet, the script writers and lyricists always put decency and moral responsibility to wind as they churn out stuff that can have far reaching implications, especially on youth. If you have not seen yet, the trailer of an upcoming Punjabi flick, 'Dharti' (I thought it is perhaps a patriotic one), which does not require any explanation. Watch it to learn the 'new traffic rules' that some 'innovative' Panjabi lyricist has penned (to guide the youth or portray a growing trend?)

Since this song is in Punjabi, for  people not familiar with it, I have tried to convey the essence of this song by translating its first stanza into English.

Saade apne ne rule, Saade apne asool,

Assin jithey padhe oh taa vakhrey school,

Saanu jehda roke tokeh,

Rakh daa ge ohnu Dho ke,

Assin jithey chaawange gaddi moudange,

Fer saare de saare hi signal todange,

(Its English translation)

We have our own rules, We have our own principles,

Where we studied were different schools,

Whosoever tries to stop or restraint us,

will be thrashed,

Wherever we’ll feel like we’ll turn our cars,

And Then we’ll violate every traffic signal on the way…

'Words' are the most basic and powerful tools of communication and should be used judiciously especially when it caters to the masses at large. The mark it leaves on one's psyche is potent enough to transform into thoughts and then actions. This is not the first instance where 'rule-breaking' words or promoting 'risk-taking' and 'sensation-seeking' is used but it has to stop somewhere. India which now leads the world in road fatalities, where nearly every four minutes a life is lost due to road accidents, entertainment like this does not stand in a good taste. Moreover, this video which has already got more than 280 'likes' with only 2 'dislikes' on You Tube shows that youngsters approve of it. Its high time some kind of self-restraint is followed. Traffic violations are the last things we would like our youngsters to emulate from cinema. But can someone stop this song from airing? Or we are too complacent to simply sit and enjoy with who-cares-attitude?

Communication or Miscommunication??

Communication is a great tool. The sender of the message sends forth an intended message via a channel or a medium to the receiver or target audience. The receiver gets the message and tries to comprehend. Well, here is the catch, there is a probability of the message being misinterpreted due to variety of reasons. The information conveyed might not be understood the way it was supposed to be or the way sender wanted to either because of the language used, or the disruptions in the channel of communication.  There are n-number of case studies how even the advertising message or the public service campaign (like the famous family planning one), failed due to the message getting mis-interpreted by the recipients.

Why am I writing all this is due to the fact that on our roads too, the signages, billboards, hoardings are installed for a specific reason. They should convey some meaning, that is the very reason they are placed at a particular point or an intersection to cater to the masses at large. The information might not always be relevant as most of them are for advertisement purpose to promote their product. But recently I came across a traffic junction in my city's vicinity where the attempt has been made to promote the drink  'Pepsi' - the official partners to the World Cup - and the headline that screamed out of the bill board, "Rules are for followers".  

Well, how would that get interpreted on a traffic light where the youngsters follow their youth icon screaming at them to, ostensibly, 'break the rules'. 

Well, here probably the one composing this tag line was not aware that this will be installed at traffic intersection where 'rules are meant to be followed' but then the people who placed it here probably were oblivious about their 'moral or social responsibility'. At first instance when I saw it, it instigated me to violate, the message coupled with the enraged expression for a moment makes you think in that way. Time to ponder. 

The day India held its breath!

For the nation where ‘cricket’ is worshipped as a ‘religion’, the semi-final between India and Pakistan was an event that caught maximum eye-balls.  And surely many were biting their nails, holding their breath at every ball, and having nerve-wrecking moments throughout this meeting of titans.  And there could have been no other way to let lose the expression of euphoria for the people to come on the street and join in the frenzy.  It was a maddening release of pent of emotional stress by dancing in the streets, driving like crazy on the roads, hanging from the windows of their cars and waving their shirts…it was sheer mania. 

Youngsters blocked the roads and danced in the streets. Police had a harrowing time controlling the unruly mobs of men, women and children dancing in the streets and blocking traffic. Others quietly stood on the sidelines or leaned over their balconies to witness and wonder at the way people behave. At the end of the match even well-to-do people behaved strangely picking up chairs in the restaurants and jumping on to the tables.

Many youngsters could be seen taking a repeated round of the main road which led to the PCA stadium (where the match was being held) and displaying their antics unmindful of the danger they were posing to themselves and the people standing on the road sides. 

Blaring loud music, open consumption of liquor, public smoking in a city where it is banned, hanging out of the car windows, standing on the pillion of the motorbikes, over speeding, by a large number of individuals, was a collective celebration or mass hysteria?  Two boys lost their lives, turning their joy into a harrowing experience for their families left behind. 

Is it the Frankenstein within each one of us that is always rearing to come out at the very first opportunity? That perhaps unveils the way we drive.

Mobile can sometimes render us Immobile

Pairing mobility with mobile can have adverse consequences. Its pretty easy to spot out people speaking on their mobiles while driving. What they do not understand is that in a bid to multi-task and save time, they put their lives and of others on stake. This video I came across on YouTube gives a fair enough idea of what this avoidable Human Error can lead to. Watch it, if you have a strong heart.

Various countries around the globe have made laws that ban usage of mobile phones completely including texting. The usage of cell phones while driving not only distracts the driver from the activity he/she is performing but also undermines their reaction time due to attention lapses. Several research studies have been done on this issue through self-report questionnaires and also on simulators. It has been discovered that there is a difference in indulging in a conversation with the in-car passenger and those on a cell phone. While the former can alert the driver on an approaching danger, there is no such possibility with the latter. An aspect of conversation suppression has also been observed that implies slow rate of conversation on gauging any threat on roads while the driver and the co-passenger are more likely to follow this rule, its quite impossible for the remote passenger on cellphone. The content of the conversation also matters, therefore the more complex and involving the issue, the more cognitive workload and the more probability of error.

While the latest technology ensuring built-in devices that helps the driver to converse hands-free, research  has proved that it does not help much. The probability of being engaged in lapses, errors and accidents is as high as with the hand-held devices.
Another research study quoted that drivers on cell phones are as bad as drunk drivers. They can be compared to the drunk drivers those who are having blood alcohol level at 0.08%
To conclude, Mobile usage behind the steering wheel can render us immobile, so as a responsible citizen and road user we should send this message across, create as much awareness as possible so that no life is compromised.

The Commercial Drivers

‘’With great powers comes great responsibility’’ was the Spiderman’s popular adage. Well I guess responsibility can come with or without powers as well, I mean on the roads when commercial drivers are carrying a huge responsibility of several lives at their disposal, do they act as a sensible or responsible drivers always? Well, looking at the scenario on Indian roads, I don’t think so. I have observed many at times these drivers for not observing the traffic laws especially at night when there is no one to check them out. The darkness with its anonymity factor getting enhanced, adds to a sense of great power in the minds of commercial drivers, who assume the shape of powerful, invincible immortals,  trying every possible death-defying stunts at the risk of their own lives…and that of their passengers.  This makes me think that even if they are given some powers I doubt it’ll be used for greater good of humanity.

There are so many incidents of having trucks or bus drivers being booked for rash and negligent driving and causing deaths under Section 304-A of Indian Penal Code. They don’t realize the extent of responsibility they carry. The lapse from the driver’s side is always evident but then I feel there is always other side of the coin as well.

The drivers are not the only ones to blame, sometimes due to many factors they are compelled to act in a certain way. The economical reasons and long hours of duty being the major ones, so when basic requirements of food, home and shelter need to be fulfilled, some sacrifices in terms of health and family life are unavoidable. The infamous relationship between truck drivers and drug usage is not unfamiliar.  Major reason of truck drivers being involved in opium, poppy husk and other drugs is due to the fact that they need to get themselves going even under worse circumstances.

I feel there should be proper training modules to enhance and also check upon the driving skills of these drivers. As there are different stakeholders involved at different levels from awareness, education to enforcement, some steps and initiative needs to be taken. Following are some suggestions for the same.

1.    Proper Training and issue of the driving license under strict supervision.

2.    Course in Defensive Driving in lines similar to those being carried out in developed countries.

3.    More training for the young eligible drivers that can open up employment opportunities, also making a substantial staff available that can be duly allocated cutting down on working hours.

4.    Maybe a proposal of setting up an accredited driving schools catering especially to the needs of commercial drivers.

5.    Salary increase.

6.    Initiative from political front.

7.    Awareness and the potential hazards of driving under the influence of drugs.

8.    Stringent laws of being booked for driving under the influence of drugs.

9.    Shutting down the ‘Highway hattas’ that in turn encourage drinking and driving.

10.  Revocation of the driving license and follow-up to see that it is not issued again if caught flouting traffic laws.

11.  Relaxation workshops for better self-control and de-stress strategies.

12.  Moral guidance for making them aware of being a responsible driver.

How soon will this happen? Who would bell the cat? Prone as we are to create a crisis and then handle it, our country today stands on the fringe of a big crisis.  An epidemic of sorts is already there with our country leading the world in road fatalities. But as it is said, it is never too late to learn, things that have happened cannot be undone but changes in positive direction can provide scope for better society and a better future.