Food for Thought: Responsibility on the Roads

Dear CATS,

Since the sad state of traffic in Chandigarh is something I feel very strongly about, I had to comment of all the brouhaha about the many traffic awareness programmes the traffic police carries out and the raising of the traffic fines.

Regarding the raised amount for traffic challans alot of the Chandigarh population is of the view that it would instead be better to spread traffic awareness among the road users. May I please point out that motor vehicle licence holders are supposed to have been tested on their knowledge of traffic rules before they are granted a license by the authorities. Awareness can be spread among the users of non motorised vehicles(bicycles,rickshaws etc) but since they cannot be challaned hence no reason for them to worry about the fines.

I am of the firm view that all road users are perfectly aware of all the rules but they follow the principle of "Rules Are Made To Be Broken". Often people come up the wrong side of the road on a dual carriageway in a hurry to take shortcuts(rotary in front of the general hospital sec.16 and many other rotaries). Every child has learnt the traffic light rhyme in playschool which tells us that the red light tells us to stop,yellow to be ready and green is to go-yet grown people will zip through the red light with scant regard to their own or others safety.

It is common sense to give way to vehicles coming from the right of the rotary and wait to enter the rotary behind them, but we are so high on ego that we have to be first and push our way in causing a snarlup for no reason.Where traffic should be slowing down when approaching the rotary, cars are mostly seen hurtling down at great speed so as toget ahead of the right side traffic.Incase of indicator lights,the right side indicator is to be given only to indicate an imminent right turn to be taken by the driver and not to indicate to the vehicle behind to overtake. How do we tell the difference?!!

Parking ones vehicle in a crowded market is a matter of etiquette and regard for your fellowman. There is no thought shown for someone elses time and inconvenience.Vehicles are parked hindering the exit of cars already parked and incase you tick off the driver he will give you the"-whats the big deal"?-kind of look and drive off without any sign of contrition.

The onus of wearing a helmet is on the individual as it is for their own safety. Cyclists and rickshaws should also be fined for not riding on the cylcle tracks where available and for flouting traffic rules .They are a major cause of accidents and end up being victims..Hence punishment in the form of prohibitively heavy fines is the only answer to curb this menace and to make the city safe for all.

Any Thoughts CATS?

CAT Rima