Traffic rules, every person, right from 2^nd standard is taught about three different color lights, round about, zebra crossing and traffic policeman. As the time passes by, we stand up to become law abiding citizens by successfully achieving our aims and fulfilling our responsibility.

But are we really doing that when it comes to traffic rules? My father stays in Karnal and I usually go back home when I get an off from office. Unlike other cities, Karnal has huge population. People now own more of 2 wheelers and 4 wheelers which need to be managed efficiently. The Government has, for public convenience, has at various required places erected traffic lights. However, what I have observed is that people really don’t care that these measures are for their own safety. Youths drive their vehicles at 70-80 kmph on the streets where it is recommended to drive at 30-40. Not only this, they keep honking horns that are too loud to make person deaf and cause noise pollution. It causes mental harassment to others. I also belong to the same age group and I feel that at this point of time, life is extremely important when you have to make crucial decisions.

Further, there is no flaw in working of traffic lights except when there is a power cut. In spite of it, people don’t wait and look if they are in turn to move. Speeding vehicles pass by. The most shocking thing that I observed was that the guy jumping red light was in fact abusing badly the person who was following rules and driving his vehicle!

In almost parts of India, this is the same situation. There are no policemen and if there are, they fine people just to make petty amounts.

People don’t wear seat belts, cycle walas and rickshaw walas are never willing to apply brakes when needed. Also, I was told by my parents that now an accident involving pedestrian and any vehicle will make the driver liable.

Today in the morning, I was impressed by a speaker at radio who says that police should fine every defaulter and double fine those policemen who drive their vehicles without helmets or take lifts from layman without helmets. If the legal security personals are going to do this, then as a matter of common perception, people are going to follow them.

While sitting alone in my room, I was thinking about the reasons behind these incidents. Firstly, there should be strict adherence to rules. Traffic policemen should be given proper training. I would like to suggest an important measure that can actually help. The government should consider increasing the salaries of these people. Low scale salary leads to corruption and forces them to take out ways that deceive the citizens. Moreover, people should stop paying them petty amounts given to avoid situations of chaalan. Citizens should understand that it’s in their benefit and will help them to be alert the next time they drive vehicle. Even in the absence of policeman, people should behave self disciplined and civilized. Accidents lead to trauma and harassment. The Zebra crossings should be properly painted and there should be regular inspection by Superintendent Police so as to ensure that good services are provided and traffic rules are obeyed. Licenses should be given after conducting proper test and an alert inquiry. Every person whether a pedestrian or driver

I know may be its hard for us to voice an opinion but I look forward to make people aware about this situation through my article. We should set a good example for the upcoming generation and contribute towards India’s growth in every possible way.