1. Traffic Signals: The moment the Orange light falls you are supposed to slowdown. Certain vehicles like the two wheelers, Auto rickshaws are exempted from this. As soon the Red signal flashes all of us apply brakes and stop the acceleration. However the Government buses are exceptions here as well.
Tip to Non Indians: Never cross the roads even if there is a Green signal for you. Watch out for any Government buses zipping from all the four directions in a junction.
I would propose the following solution: All the 4 intersection roads in a busy junction should have tire spikes near the traffic light. The spikes should come out as soon the red light flashes. Any one who dares to rush through will have to pay for it and the cop can come and nick the driver. It would be lovely to watch the roads on the very first day when implemented in India. The puncture fixing guys will be a millionaire in a single day. When the Green light falls the spike should go inward so that the vehicles can proceed.
Riding on Wrong Lanes: The above solution should be applicable when the driver drives in the wrong lane. The cop should have a remote control using which he can control the spikes installed every 300 meters in the lane. I often see the four wheelers and 2 wheelers using the service lanes in highways. Installing tire spikes would create a permanent fear in drivers mind.
Jaywalking: This is also one of the prime reasons for road accidents. This is something which is banned in countries like US, UK. Jaywalking can carry fines up to 750$ in certain cities in US. Singapore has the harshest punishment for jaywalking, 2000 Singapore $ fine and 5-6 months imprisonment.
Implementing box junctions: These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road (see 'Road markings'). You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear.
Root cause:
1.The facts and figures say that the RTO (Road transport office) is responsible to sell 2/3 of the total licenses without conducting any proper tests. These are misused by Auto rickshaw, Call taxi and truck drivers. Statistics say that the major portions (25.6%) of road accidents are caused by clumsy truck drivers.
2.Punishments: The punishments in India are not severe. The violator can bribe the cop and escape a ticket.
Readers of the blog please follow traffic rules. Let us make a better India.
