Traffic signs are widely used to communicate traffic rules and guidelines to road users. One of the most important skills for all road users, whether drivers or pedestrians, is the ability to interpret traffic signs.
National Statistics on Road Accidental Deaths in India
We can make driving safe in India by following traffic rules duly. According to statistics published in 2017, there are severe road accidents that occur every ten minutes that can be stopped by focusing on traffic safety. Another point that India needs to focus on is the condition and repairing of the roads. According to a World Health Organization report published in 2013, India has the highest number of accidental road deaths in the world (105,725 people died on the road). Maharashtra tops the list of Indian states, with Mumbai having the highest number of fatalities (25,471), followed by Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. So, it is important to take care of Ineffective law enforcement, lack of awareness of driving signals, drunken driving, low user adoption of helmets, seat belts, and lack of child restraints in vehicles. It is because these are the main causes of India’s high rate of road accidents, according to the report.
Road Safety Education
Road safety education is frequently offered at schools, colleges, workplaces, clubs, and public places. There may, however, be other ways to raise public awareness:
- Distribute pamphlets and booklets to students in schools.
- In the classrooms, show presentations on road safety, traffic sign boards, and the negative aspects of road accidents.
- Peer-to-peer sharing of online content
- Encourage parents to assist their children in learning real-time preventive measures.
- Educate teachers on the fundamentals of traffic laws and regulations.
Types of road safety signs to follow
Mandatory signs
These signs on traffic signboards are used to ensure the free flow of traffic while also informing road users of specific laws, regulations, restrictions, and prohibitions. The law makes it illegal to disregard these road safety signs.
Cautionary signs
These traffic signs alert drivers to potentially hazardous road conditions ahead of time. As a result, the drivers take the necessary steps to deal with the situation.
Informatory signs
These traffic signs inform drivers about destinations, distances, alternate routes, and prominent locations such as restaurants, public restrooms, and hospitals nearby, among other things.
Road Safety is Being Honored
Every year, India’s major metro cities commemorate Road Safety Week to promote road safety measures and raise public awareness of various traffic signs. Throughout the week, state transportation departments raise awareness in schools, colleges, offices, and on the roads through a community-building process. They also educate people about the dangers of drunk driving, high-speed driving, and the importance of bikers wearing helmets and four-wheeler drivers wearing seat belts. They also provide traffic and driving signal education. Also, they sometimes choose themes to communicate with the public. From February 4 to February 10, India will commemorate its 30th Road Safety Week.