It’s been around three years since I got my permanent driving license. In January 2015, I had received my learner’s license, and then one week prior to its expiry date; I decided to give a practical exam, which was needed, to get the permanent license.
The exam had primarily involved making the car move in reverse direction across a perplexing maze of traffic cones. It was difficult, but I managed to clear it in the second attempt.
Upon receiving my permanent license, which I truly deserved, I felt really happy and satisfied because I had practised a lot — after failing in the first attempt – in a very short span of time. And hereafter, I decided that I shall be driving sensibly on the roads.
Having said that, I don’t think this is how everybody feels, or rather, a lot of people don’t even understand the essence of getting a driving license and the responsibility that’s attached to it. I remember there was an individual who had told me in the Gurugram’s RTO, just before his turn for the permanent license exam – “yaha pe pass karna toh kaafi mushkil lag raha hai, Bihar se ek vaidh license dalaal ke madad se banwa lenge (It seems very difficult to pass the exam here, I shall rather ask an agent in Bihar to make a valid license for me).” He mentioned getting it done in Bihar because I believe most of the officials in Gurugram’s RTO were people of integrity (this was in 2015 and I am not aware of the present situation). And certainly, a driving license obtained at any state is valid throughout the country.
My point is people like him find easy routes to evade the legal process, and then without any effort obtain a license; which is essentially why they have a sense that if they — indulge in road rage or not comply with road safety guidelines — they can again evade the law, and get free without paying any penalty. So, where does the problem lie? It lies predominantly in the inefficient implementation of the law.From officials in the Transport Department to Traffic Police officers, everyone is responsible for doing their duty with complete honesty. If the concerned authorities fail in doing so, road accidents will never stop. While it’s evident that the union govt. wants to enforce stricter regulations to ensure road safety and has passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill in Lok Sabha, that’s pending in the Rajya Sabha – there are already various rules that if enforced properly, would reduce the probability of road accidents to a great extent.
We can debate the prescribed norms of the law – which one to delete, amend or add – but its enforcement is the area where major attention should be given. I still see people jumping red lights, and then, either they escape, or if they get caught, they offer bribes, and leave. Why does this happen? You may say people don’t want to pay the heavy penalty, but if they don’t, then how will the situation improve? And who will ensure that? The executive. Similarly, in Gurugram’s Golf Course road, there are three underpasses. And at their entry point, the speed limits for different vehicles are mentioned. But hardly do I see anybody complying with those limits. Also, at the underpass’ exit point, there is no traffic police – so why will anybody follow the rules. Right?
Wrong, because even before the police’s duty; it’s the driver’s duty to ensure that road safety rules are being followed. Imagine a situation, where everybody is jumping lanes, every second. What do you think the scenario will be? I feel, at every second, there will be an accident. And then there will be long traffic jams (for those who stop jumping). So ultimately, who benefits? I guess dogs and cow because they will easily be able to cross the roads (as everybody will be stuck in the traffic jams).
The 2016 figures of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways that tell the causes of road accidents show that deaths on road were mainly caused by exceeding lawful speed, overtaking, driving under influence of alcohol, jumping red light/jumping lanes, driving on the wrong side, using mobile, and not wearing a seat belt. These reasons are not new, they have existed ever since people started driving cars. And yet, the accident cases — due to the same reasons — have not been substantially reduced.
That being said, the central govt. more than ever is firm in reducing road accidents; because India in 2015 had signed the Brasilia Declaration, and is committed to reduce the number of such fatalities by 50% by 2020. In no case, should it be understood that there has been no progress whatsoever? But the statistics, on the other hand, are not convincing. The National Road Safety Policy and The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill are good laws; which will have a significant impact if enforced properly.
I will again say that enforcement is the biggest concern. The govt. may make a rule – that whoever reports about the corrupt activity of a police official, will be rewarded. This may help in curbing the corruption to some extent. Also I suggest, a new law should be made which assures that the license holder gets a license from his domicile city; if he has shifted to some other place, then he has to pass an exam in the local RTO in order to keep driving on the roads. And regarding the places, where traffic police officials don’t exist, cameras should be installed, like in the underpasses. So that road safety violators may be identified and punished.
Road safety can be established only when people drive sensibly and the police do its duty honestly. Potholes, traffic light problems etc. these issues are not the main reasons for deaths. These should be fixed, undoubtedly but it’s more important to be alert and smart while driving at least.