Traffic rules And Control system
Mr. S. R. ANOOP, (BE) Email: anooppallimon92@gmail.com Phone: 8281632698
“SRUTHY PUBLICATIONS” PALLIMON, PALLIMON (P.O) KOLLAM-691576 KERALA.
TRAFFIC RULES AND CONTROL SYSTEM by S.R. ANOOP.
First Edition: January 2014.
Copyright © 2014 exclusive by Author. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission from the author.
Published by; Sruthy Publications, Pallimon (P.O), Kollam – 691576 Kerala.
Dedicated To All Road Users
Especially Dedicated To My Dear Parents Mr. M. Sthuthikumar & Mrs. S. Radhamoni
PREFACE
“Traffic Rules and Control System� is the first
endeavour of Mr S.R. Anoop, Nowadays road accidents are increasing beyond our control. Traffic rules are ignorant even to experienced drivers. This book includes traffic rules, traffic signalscontrol system, first aid, road safety and an overall guidance to the public. I am sure that this book is greatly valuable to learners and drivers. It is a great pleasure to introduce this book comprising of the traffic rules and signals existing all over India.
09.01.2014 Kollam.
Sandhya. B. Pillai.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am pleased to bring out my first edition of the e-book “TRAFFIC RULES AND CONTROL SYSTEM”. My sincere thanks to Mrs. Sandhya B Pillai, and my parents Mr. M. Sthuthikumar and Mrs. S. Radhamoni for their moral support and encouragement. I always thanks to all my friends, especially Mr. Roshan.K, Mr. K.V. Vibin and Mr. M.S. Abhishak Mano Prince for their involvement in the completion of the book.
10.01.2014 Keelavallanadu.
S.R. ANOOP.
INDEX
1. Introduction ………………………………….01 2. Definition of traffic……………………………04 3. Traffic rules……………………………………07 4. Traffic signs and Control system………………49 i.
Light control system………………….50
ii.
Sign board system…………………….54
iii.
Hand control system………………….66
iv.
Road marking………………………....72
v.
Road control devices………………….79
5. Road safety……………………………………..82 6. Guidelines……………………………………....99 7. First-Aid………………………………………...109 8. Slogans………………………………………….114
TRAFFIC RULES AND CONTROL SYSTEM 1. INTRODUCTION The Motor Vehicle Act 1989 An act to consolidate and amend the laws related to motor vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Act shall come into force on the 1st day of July -1989. Various committees like, National Transport Policy Committee, Low Powered Two- wheelers Committee, as also the Law commission have gone into different aspects of road transport. They have recommended updating, simplification and rationalization of this law. In motor vehicle act 1988, some of the more important modifications so suggested related for taking care of; a. The fast increasing number of both commercial vehicles and personal vehicles in the country. b. The need for encouraging adoption of higher technology in automotive sector. c. The greater flow of passenger and freight with the latest impediments so that islands of isolation are not created leading to regional or local imbalances. d. Concern for road safety standards, and pollution control measures, standards for transportation of hazardous and explosive materials. e. Simplification of procedure and policy liberalization’s for private sector operations in the road transport field; and f. Need for effective ways of tracking down traffic offenders. Definitions In these rules;
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a. “Act” means the Motor Vehicle Act, 1989. b. “Agricultural tractor” means any mechanically propelled 4- wheel vehicle designed to work with suitable implements for various field operations and/or trailers to transport agricultural materials. These type of vehicle is a non- transport vehicle. c. “Agricultural trailer” means a trailer generally left uncovered with single/ double axle construction which is coupled to an agricultural tractor by means of two hooks and predominantly used for transporting agricultural materials. “Construction equipment vehicle” means rubber tyred, rubber padded or steel drum wheel mounted, self-propelled, excavators, loader, backhoe, compactor roller, dumper, motor grader, mobile crane, dozer, fork lift truck, self-loading concrete mixer or any other construction equipment vehicle or combination thereof designed for offhighway operations in mining, industrial undertaking, irrigation and general construction but modified and manufactured with “on or off” or “on and off” highway capabilities. d. “Financier” means a person or a title holder-cumdealer who lets a motor vehicles on hire under an agreement of hire purchase or lease or hypothecation to the operator with a permission to get it registered in operator’s name as registered owner. e. “Form” means a form appended to these rules. f. “Section” means a section of the act.
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g. “Trade certificate” means a certificate issued by the registering authority under rule 35. h. “Non-transport vehicle” means a motor vehicle which is not a transport vehicle. i. “Category L-1” means a motorcycle with maximum design speed not exceeding 45 km/hr and engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, if fitted with a thermic engine. j. “Category L-2” means a motor cycle with a maximum design speed exceeding 45 km/hr and engine capacity exceeding 50 cc, if fitted with a thermic engine. k. “Category M” means a motor vehicle with at least four wheels used for the carriage of passengers and their luggage. l. “Category M-1” means a motor vehicle used for the carriage and of passengers and their luggage comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. m. “Category M-2” means a motor vehicle used for the carriage of passengers and their luggage and comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat and having a maximum mass not exceeding 5 tonnes. n. “Category M-3” means a motor vehicle used for the carriage of passengers and their luggage and comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat and having a maximum mass exceeding 5 tonnes.
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o. “Category N” means a motor vehicle with at least four wheels used for the carriage of goods. p. “Category N-1” means motor vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. q. “Category N-2” means motor vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes. r. “Category N-3” means motor vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes. s. “Smart card” means a device capable of storing data and executing commands which is a microprocessor chip mounted on a plastic card and the dimensions of the card and chip are specified in the Inter National Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electro Technical Commission (IEC) 7816 specifications, as may be amended from time to time. t. “International Driving Permit” means the licence issued by a licencing authority in India. u. “Battery Operated Vehicle” means a vehicle adapted for use upon road and powered exclusively by an electric motor whose traction energy is supplied exclusively by traction battery installed in the vehicle.
2. TRAFFIC- DEFINITION Traffic in English is taken from the Arabic word “taraffaqa”, which means to walk along slowly together.
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Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel. Traffic laws are the laws which govern traffic and regulate vehicles, while rules of the road are both the laws and the informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate the orderly and timely flow of traffic. Organized traffic generally has well-established priorities, lanes, right-of-way, and traffic control at intersections may share speed limits and easement, or may be segregated. Some jurisdictions may have very detailed and complex rules of the road while others rely more on driver’s common sense and willingness to cooperate. Traffic is formally organized in many jurisdictions, withmarked lanes, junctions, intersections, interchanges, t raffic signals, or signs. Traffic is often classified by type: heavy motor vehicle (e.g., car, truck); other vehicle (e.g., moped, bicycle); and pedestrian. Organization typically produces a better combination of travel safety and efficiency. Events which disrupt the flow and may cause traffic to degenerate into a disorganized mess include: road construction, collisions and debris in the roadway. On particularly busy freeways, a minor disruption may persist in a phenomenon known as traffic waves. The Firsts in the History of World Traffic: ď ś The First Accident:- In 1771 the first accident
involving a motor vehicle took place in Paris when
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Cugnot's steam tractor hit a low wall in the grounds of the Paris arsenal. The First Act: - The Locomotives and Highway Act was the first piece of British motoring legislation. This was also known as the red Flag act of 1865. The act required three persons in attendance one to steer, one to stoke and one to walk 60 yards ahead with a red flag to warm the oncoming traffic. First Man to Be Challenged: - In 1895 John Henry Knight was convicted and fined for using a motortricycle on the highway. He was probably the first motorist to appear in court. First Fatal Car Accident:- The first motor-car accident in Britain resulting in the death of the driver occurred in Grive Hill, Harrow-on-the Hill, London on 25th February 1899. Dusty Road to Tar Surface: - In 1902 Tar was first used on a Macadam surface to prevent dust in Monte Carlo. It was the idea of Dr. Guglieminetti, a Swiss. At first the tar was brushed on cold, but soon it was applied hot. The First Number Plate of London: - The Motor car Act of Britain came into force on 1st January 1904. It required that all cars be registered and carry a number plate, and all motorists to have a driving licence. But there was no driving test to pass and the licence was obtained by filling up a form and paying the fee at a post office. The act made dangerous driving an indictable offence.
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The First Petrol Pump: - The first petrol pump was
installed in USA in 1906. The First Traffic Light of the World: - The World’s first traffic lights were installed in Detroit, USA in 1919. The first traffic lights in Britain were installed in Wolverhampton during 1928. However, they did not come to London till 1932. Pedestrian Crossing: - The pedestrian crossing was instituted in Britain in 1934. The roads were marked by dotted lines. On the pavement there were striped Belisha beacon light poles named after Britain’s Minister of transport L. Hore-Belisha. The Zebra crossing with black and white stripes was developed after the Second World War. First Traffic Police Woman: - Police woman were used for traffic control duties for the first time in Paris, in 1964. In Delhi, were introduced woman traffic police, in 1989. First Box Junction: - Box junctions, marked with yellow cross-hatching, were introduced in London during 1964. The aim was to prevent traffic blocking junctions when it could not proceed and this was successful.
3. TRAFFIC RULES Control of Traffic- MVA 1989 The driver of a motor vehicle shall make such signals and such collisions as are specified in the regulations made under section 118.
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The driver of every vehicle shall ensure that the following items are carried in the vehicle, namely; a. In case of vehicles other than motorcycle, a set of spare bulbs for head lamp and fuses and spare wheels ready for use. b. Tool kit as prescribed by the manufacturer. c. Triangle of size 150 mm with a red reflecting surface as per IS: 8339-1993 specified by the bureau of Indian standards, for keeping in front and rear of the vehicle in case the vehicle is on the road; as specified below; One triangle in case of 4 wheelers with GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) not exceeding 7.5 tonnes. Two triangle in case of 4 wheelers with GVW exceeding 7.5 tonnes. After 1st January of 2003; the triangle size specification shall come to AIS: 022-2001. The colour of the triangle fitted in the front of the vehicle shall be white and that of rear shall be red. The location of both triangles shall be at least one meter above the ground level at the front and rear; preferably at the centre of the vehicles for M3&N3 category of vehicles. d. First aid kit containing antiseptic cream containing 0.5% of Centrimide B.P in a non-greasy base; sterilised dressings, sterilised elastic plaster, water proof plaster gauze and elastic bandage for wounds and burns. e. Number of chock blocks for 4 wheelers specified as;
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1 chock block in case of 4 wheelers with GVW exceeding 4 tonnes & less than 7.5 tonnes. 2 chock block in case of 4 wheelers with GVW exceeding 7.5 tonnes. Halogen bulb with P45t cap shall not be used for headlights on all vehicles. Wattage of halogen bulb shall not exceeds 70/75 watts for 24 volts and 60/65 for 12 volts system.
Licencing of Learners Drivers of Motor Vehicles For Learners; Such a person is the holder of an effective learners licence issued him in form 3 of drive the vehicle. Such person is accompanied by an instructor holding an effective driving licence to drive the vehicle and such instructor is sitting in in such position to control or stop the vehicles; and there is painted in front and rear of the vehicle or on a plate or card affixed to the front and the rear, the letter ‘L’ in red on a white back ground as under
L The painting on the vehicle or on the plate or card shall not be less than 18cm square and the letter ‘L’ shall not be less than 10cm high , 2cm thick & 9cm wide at the bottom. Evidence as to the correctness of address and age Electoral roll
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Life insurance policy Pass port Pay slip issued by any office of the central Govt. or a state Govt. or a local body. Birth certificate Certificate granted by a registered medical practitioner not below the rank of a civil surgeon.
Offences, Penalties. 1. Driving without a licence, or without a licence which is effective, or without a licence applicable to the vehicle driven – Sec 3 2. Allowing a licence to be used by another person – Sec 6(2) 3. Driving during the period of disqualification - Sec 23. 4. Driving an un registered vehicle – Sec 39 5. Driving a transport vehicle not covered by a certificate of fitness – Sec 56 6. Driving a transport vehicle in contravention of Sec 66 7. Failure to comply with provisions of Sec 114 8. Driving in contravention of rule 118 9. Refusing or failing within specified time to produce licence or certificate of registration – Sec 130 10. Failure to stop the vehicle when it is involved in an accident – Sec 132 11. Obtaining or applying for a driving licence without giving particulars of endorsement – Sec 182 12. Driving at excessive speed – Sec 183 13. Driving dangerously – Sec 184.
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14. Driving while under the influence of drink or drugs – Sec 185 15. Driving when mentally or physically unfit to drive – Sec 186 16. Abetment of an offence under sec 184 or 185 or 188 17. Taking part in unauthorised race or trial of speed of any kind – Sec 189 18. Using vehicle in un safe condition – Sec 190 19. Driving vehicle exceeding limit or weight – Sec 194 20. Altering a driving licence or using an altered licence 21. An offence punishable with imprisonment in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used.
Disqualification of Licence The commission of the following acts by holder of a driving licence shall constitute nuisance or danger to the public, namely 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Theft of motor vehicle. Assault on passengers. Theft of personal effects of passengers. Theft of goods carried in goods carriage. Transport of goods prohibited under any law. Abduction of passengers. Driver, while driving a transport vehicle, engages himself in activity which is likely disturb his concentration. 8. Carrying overload on goods carriers. 9. Driving at speed exceeding the speed limits.
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10. Carrying persons in good carriage, either inside the driver’s cabin in excess of its capacity or on the vehicle, whether for hire or not. 11. Failing to comply with the provision of section 134. 12. Failing to stop when signalled to do so by any person authorised to do so. 13. Misbehaviour with and showing discourtesy to passengers, intending passengers or consignors and consignees of goods. 14. Smoking while driving public service vehicles. 15. Abandoning vehicle in a public place causing inconvenience to other road users or to passengers in the vehicle. 16. Driving vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs. 17. Interfering with any persons mounting or preparing to mount upon any other vehicles. 18. Allowing any person to sit or placing things in such a way as to impede the driver from having a clear vision of the road or proper control of the vehicle. 19. Not stopping a stage carriage at approved stopping places for a sufficient period of time in a safe and convenient position upon demand or signal of the conductor or any passenger desiring to alight from the vehicle and unless there is no room in the vehicle, upon demand or signal of any person desiring to becoming a passenger. 20. Loitering or unduly delaying any journey and not proceeding to the destination as near as may be in accordance with the time table pertaining to the
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vehicle, or where there is no such time table, with all reasonable despatch. 21. Not driving a contract carriage, in the absence of a reasonable cause, to the destination named by the hirer by the shortest route. 22. The driver of a motor cab not accepting the first offer of hire which may be made to him irrespective of the length of the journey for which such offer made. 23. The driver of a motor cab demanding or extracting any fare in excess to that to which he is legally entitled or refusing to ply motor cab. 24. Abandoning a transport vehicle as a mark of protest or agitation of any kind or strike in a public place or in any other place in a manner causing obstruction and inconvenience to the public or passengers or other users of such places. 25. Using of mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
Speeding The speed of motor vehicles is universally agreed to be the most important factor contributing to crash, and injuries on roads. Speed influences both crash risk and crash consequence. Excess speed refers to a vehicle exceeding the prescribed speed limit and inappropriate speed refers to a vehicle traveling at a speed unsuitable for the prevailing road and traffic conditions.
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Modern cars fitted with more efficient engines have very high acceleration and can achieve high speeds within a very short time and distance. Crash risk increases as speed increases especially at road junctions and while overtaking as road users underestimate this speed and overestimate the distance of an approaching vehicle. Further, in developing countries with a mixed traffic and high volume of vulnerable road users, increased speed has significantly contributed to an increasing trend of fatalities on Indian roads. Empirical evidence from speed studies has shown that an increase of 1 km/hr it mean traffic speed typically results in a 3% increase in the incidence of injury crashes or an increase of 4% to 5% for fatal crashes. Speed has an exponentially detrimental effect on safety. As speed increase so do the number and severity of injuries. Studies show that the higher the impact speed the greater the likelihood of serious and fatal injuries. For car occupant, an increase in speed from 20 kms to 100 kms, the probability of fatal injuries increases from close to zero to almost 100%. 1. The probability of serious injury for belted front seat occupants is three times as great at 48 km/hr and four times as great at 64 km/hr, compared with the risk at 32 km/hr. 2. Pedestrians have a 90% chance of surviving car crashes at 30 km/hr or below, but less than a 50% chance of surviving impacts at 45 km/hr or above. 3. The probability of pedestrians being killed rises by a factor of 8 as the impact speed of the car increases from 30 km/hr to 50 km/hr.
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Speeding Can Be a Cause of Severe Crash 1. Drivers get lesser time to avoid unexpected accident and the stopping distance lengthens which increases both the likelihood of crashing and the severity of the crashes. 2. The vehicle structure is rendered incapable of withstanding the force of the crash which results in serious injury to the occupants. 3. The protection capability of restraint systems such as airbags and safety belts and roadside hardware and safety features such as barriers and bridge rails become nullified. 4. Vehicles become prone to increased tire tread wear, rise in tire weakening operation temperature, longer stopping distances and increased brake wear. 5. At faster speeds the driver's ability to accurately see and judge the distances get compromised Vehicle Engineering and design play a major role in safety of both the occupant and those outside the vehicle in the event of a crash. Vehicle engineering for improve safety can be achieved by modifying a vehicle to help the driver, avoid a crash or in the event of a crash, protect both those inside and outside the car against the injury. Research indicates that vehicle crash protection is a most effective strategy for reducing death and serious injuries in road crashes. According to a WHO (World Health Organisation) report, citing the effectiveness of casualty reduction measures in the United Kingdom between 1980 and 1996 found that the greatest contribution to reducing casualties was crash protection
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improvements to vehicles. These accounted for around 15% of the reduction compared with 11% for drink - drive measures and 6.5% for road safety engineering measures. During the 1990's significant steps have been taken to improve designs of vehicles in developing countries and especially in India. However, more efforts are required on this front for improving design factor for protection of those outside the vehicle i.e. the vulnerable road users as the dominant category of road casualties’ up to 2020 will continue to be the pedestrians, cyclists and motor cyclists. The majority of fatally injured pedestrians are hit by the fronts of cars and heavy vehicles. Creating safer fronts, if thus, the key means of improving pedestrian safety. Preliminary investigations have suggested that reduction in injuries could be achieved if the geometry and design of vans, pickup trucks, other trucks and buses were changed.
Road Maintenance While carrying out such repair and maintenance works, the civic road agencies are required to follow the following guidelines: 1. All safety measures should be adopted for smooth and safe flow of traffic. 2. All necessary road signage with fluorescent tape (mandatory, warning and informatory) should be fixed for traffic guidance along the route and at the site.
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3. Other necessary road safety measures as per the requirement should also be adopted at the site from time to time. 4. No malba /material etc. should be kept on the road while carrying out civic works. 5. The civic works should not hamper the normal flow of traffic at the site. 6. The work should be completed within the allotted time period. Alternative passage provided should be in proper shape and no inconvenience should be caused to the road users.
Number Plate Many people have craze on their registration numbers. Some of them want fancy numbers while the other want according to their believe in the numeral astrology. Whatever it may, it will be interesting to know about the theory of vehicle registration numbers in the state, keeping it as a unique identifier for each vehicles. Allotment of Registration Numbers. The inspecting officer examines the application for registration and inspect the vehicles produced before him. Acknowledgement will be issued by the inspecting officer on every proper application immediately after the inspection. All the applications received in a day are entered in the computer in the afternoon on going a command to the computer the system will allot registration numbers to all the vehicles instantly. There are no manual intervention in allotting the register numbers, except for the reserved numbers. The allotted numbers can be seen from the information Kiosk provided in the office instantly
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or from the office notice board. If the concerned office is connected to KSWAN the allotted numbers can be viewed online. All those driving motor vehicles with registration number plates not conforming to the specifications, will be penalised. So please have your vehicle's registration number plate checked and ensure they are in accordance with the specifications. The specification of the number plate as follows; i. The plate shall be a solid unit made of 1.0mm aluminium to DIN 1745/DIN 1783 or ISO 7591. Border edges of the plate shall be rounded to avoid injuries to the extent of approx. 10mm and the plate must have an embossed border. The plate shall be suitable for hot stamping and reflective sheet has to be guaranteed for imperishable nature for minimum five years. The fast colouring of legend and border to be done by hot stamping. ii. The plate should bear the letter “IND� in blue colour on the extreme left centre of the plate. The letter should be one fourth of the size of letter mentioned in rule 51 and should be buried into the foil or applied by hot stamping and should be integral part of the plate. iii. Each plate shall be projected against counterfeiting by applying chromium-based hologram, applied by hot stamping. Stickers and adhesive labels are not permitted. The plate shall bear a permanent consecutive identification number of minimum seven digits, to be laser branded in to the reflective sheeting and hot stamping film shall bear a verification inscription.
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Apart from the registration marks on front and rear, the third registration mark in the form of selfdestructive type, chromium based hologram sticker shall be affixed on the left-hand top side of the windshield of the vehicle. The registration details such as registration number, registering authority, etc‌, shall be printed on the sticker. The third registration mark shall be issued by the registering authorities/approved dealers of the licence plate manufacturer along with the regular registration marks, and thereafter if such sticker is destroyed it shall be issued by the licence plate manufacturer or his dealer. v. The plate shall be fastened with non-removable /nonreusable snap lock fitting system on rear of the vehicle at the premises of the registering authority. The licence plates with all the above specifications and specified registrations for a vehicle shall be issued by the registering authority or approved the licence plate’s manufactures or their dealers. The central road research institute, New Delhi or any of the agency authorized by the central government shall approve the licence plate’s manufactures to the above specification.
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Specification for the minimum size of letters / numerals and spacing between them on a number plate. Sl.No Class of Front letters and Rear in mm vehicle numerals Numerals Letters (in mm) H* W* S* H W S H W S 1 All 4 65 10 10 65 10 10 65 10 10 wheeled vehicles 2 Mopeds 15 2.5 2.5 40 7 5 35 7 5 and less than 70cc 3 Other 30 5 5 40 7 5 35 7 5 motor cycles and scooters *H – height
*W- width
*S- space.
Background colour, colour of letters and numerals and number of lines on the number plate. Sl No Class of Back Colours No. of. lines vehicles Ground of Colour letters Front Rear of number and plate numerals 1 All private White black 1 or 2 1 or 2 Vehicles
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All commercial (except rent a cab scheme vehicles)
yellow
Black
2
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2
Note: In case of two lines, the state code and registering authority code will form the first line and the rest will form the second line, one below the other. All the letters should be in English and numerals/ numbers should be in Arabic e.g. KA 03 MJ 1011
Tinted Glass Use of dark, black or reflective glasses in vehicles is not permitted as per law. As per the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, use of black film or any other material is not permitted on the windscreen and side windows of vehicles. Violation is punishable with challan and on-the-
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spot removal of film. Only company fitted tinted glasses permitted, with 70% visual transmission of light with windscreen & rear window and 50% visual transmission of light for side windows.
Rules and Regulations on Road Negotiating an Intersection Judiciously: Almost 50% of all city driving collisions occur at intersections. Choose the left lane if you want to turn left, the middle lane if you want to go straight, and the right lane if turning right, at least 100 m in advance. Give proper indication before you turn. Slow down while approaching an intersection. Stop before stop line at red light. Even if the signal allows you to go, proceed slowly and cautiously. While approaching an unmanned intersection cover the brake and be prepared to stop. Negotiating a Round About: Choose your lane as per your exit, at least 100m in advance. Slow down while approaching a roundabout. Enter the roundabout at an angle. Give way to traffic on your right. Merge slowly with the traffic inside the roundabout. Move towards your exit gradually giving proper indications.
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Be watchful of a pedestrian or an animal that may suddenly appear. While Overtaking Never overtake from left, always overtake from right. Show your intentions of overtaking clearly to your fellow drivers. Give proper indications, before overtaking. Be watchful of a pedestrian or an animal that may suddenly appear in front of the vehicle you are overtaking. On roads having two-way traffic overtake only when the oncoming vehicle is at a safe distance. Overtaking prohibited in certain cases The driver of a motor vehicle shall not pass a vehicle traveling in the same direction as himself: If his passing is likely to cause inconvenience or danger to other traffic proceeding in any direction. If he is near a point, a bend or corner or a hill or other obstruction of any kind that renders the road ahead not clearly visible. If he knows that the driver who is following him has begun to overtake him. If the driver ahead of him has not signalled that he may be overtaken. Overtaking not to be obstructed The driver of a motor vehicle shall not, when being overtaken or being passed by another vehicle, increase
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speed or do anything in any way to prevent the other vehicle from passing him. While Turning Give proper indications. Start changing lane only when the vehicles behind you have understood your intentions. Slow down while approaching the turning point. Turn only when the vehicle coming from the opposite direction is at a safe distance. The vehicle coming from the opposite direction has the right of way. Watch out for pedestrians as well as vehicles coming from your right side. Right of Way The children and the disabled have the right of way. Pedestrians have the first right of way at unmanned intersections. At an unmanned intersections traffic on your right has the right of way. At a roundabout, traffic on your right has the right of way. Traffic on major road has the right of way. On hilly and steep roads vehicles going uphill have the right of way. Emergency vehicles like fire brigade, ambulance, and police have the right of way. These vehicles, during emergency, can jump a red right, drive in non- entry areas or on wrong side.
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These vehicles should be given priority and clear passage.
Keep left How far from the left side of the road you should drive depends upon the road condition and the type of traffic on it. But, as a driver you must drive sufficiently to the left. You must allow all traffic proceeding in the opposite directions to pass on the right hand side. Turning to left and right The driver of a motor vehicle shall:  When turning to the left, drive as close as may be to the left hand side of the road from which he is making the turn and of the road which he is entering,  When turning to the right draw as near as may be to the centre of the road along which he is traveling and arrive as near as may be at the left hand side of the road which the driver is entering. Passing to right Except as provided in Regulation 5, the driver of a motor vehicle shall pass to the right of all traffic proceeding in the same direction as himself. Passing to the left The driver of a motor vehicle may pass to the left of a vehicle the driver of which having indicated an intention to turn to the right has drawn to the centre of the road and may pass on either side, a tram car or other
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vehicle running on fixed rails whether traveling in the same direction as himself or otherwise provided that in no case shall he pass a tram car at a time or in a manner likely to cause danger or inconvenience to other users of the road including persons leaving or about to enter tram cars. Caution at road junction The driver of a motor vehicle shall slow down when approaching a road intersection, a road junction, pedestrian crossing or a road corner, and shall not enter any such intersection, junction or crossing until he has become aware that he may do so without endangering the safety of persons thereon. Giving way to traffic at road junction The driver of a motor vehicle shall, on entering a road intersection, at which traffic is not being regulated, if the road entered is a main road designated as such, give way to the vehicles proceeding along that road, and in any other case give way to all traffic approaching the intersection on his right hand. Fire service vehicles and ambulance to be given free passage Every driver shall, on the approach of a fire service vehicle or of an ambulance allow it free passage by drawing to the side of the road. Right of way The pedestrians have the right of way at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings. When any road is
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provided with footpath or cycle tracks specially for other traffic, except with permission of a police officer in uniform, a driver shall not drive on such footpath or track. Direction indicator The signals referred to in Regulation 12, may be simplified also by mechanical or electrical devices. Lane driving Every road has lanes, whether marked or not. Where they are not marked, divide the road mentally into appropriate lanes. Where it is marked, drive within your lane. Change only if it is safe to do so and after giving a proper signal. Sudden changes should be avoided. A good driver never weaves in and out of a lane, in a traffic hold-up, don’t try to get ahead by jumping the queue or by cutting into another lane. Changing Lanes you need to move into another lane, check through your rear view mirror and look over your shoulder for the traffic following you, if it is safe, give he proper signal and then change lanes. After you have changed your lane or overtaken, make sure that the indicator given to change lane is switched off, keeping to your lane is important to maintain discipline and safe road usage. Do not change lanes frequently. Remember, weaving in and out is bad driving and you could be booked by traffic police for negligent driving.
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Signals To Be Given By Drivers The following signals shall be used by the drivers of all motors vehicles namely When about to slow down, a driver shall extend his right arm with the palm downward and to the right of the vehicle and shall move the arm so extended up and down several times in such a manner that the signal can be seen by the driver of any vehicle which may be behind him. When about to stop, a driver shall raise his right forearm vertically outside of and to the right of the vehicle, palm to the right. When about to turn to the right or to drive to the right hand side of the road in order to pass another vehicle or for any other purpose, a driver shall extend his right arm in a horizontal position outside of and to the right of his vehicle with the palm of the hand turned to the front. When about to turn to the left or to drive to the lefthand side of the road, a driver shall extend high right arm and rotate it in an anti-clockwise direction. When a driver wishes to indicate to the driver of a vehicle behind him that he desires that driver to overtake him he shall extend his right arm and hand horizontally outside of and to the right of the vehicle and shall swing the arm backward and forward in a semi-circular motion. Use indicator or hand signals. And also obey all the traffic signals and instructions from the traffic police
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Reverse driving Make sure you have rear side view mirrors on you left and right doors in addition to the one fitted inside. A good driver uses all the mirrors before beginning the reverse driving. However, you should also turn around for an all side vision. Before you reverse make sure there are no pedestrians, especially children or any other impediments on the road behind you. Be particularly careful of the blind areas that are obscured form the driver’s seat. In case of doubt it is always better to step down from the vehicle or get the help of someone to ensure that there are no obstructions all the back. Never reverse from a side road on to a main road. If there is no other way, seek someone’s held while doing so. Don’t drive backwards more than necessary while making sure you don’t cause danger or inconvenience to other road users. Towing No vehicle other than a mechanically disabled motor vehicle or incompletely assembled motor vehicle, a registered trailer or a side car, shall be drawn or towed by any motor vehicle, except for purposes of delivery and to the nearest filling station or garage. No motor vehicle shall be drawn or towed by any other motor vehicle unless there is in the driver's seat of the motor vehicle being drawn or towed a person holding a licence authorising him to drive the vehicle or unless the steering wheels of the motor vehicle being towed,
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are firmly and securely supported clear of the road surface by some crane or other device on the vehicle which is drawing or towing it. When a motor vehicle is being towed by another motor vehicle the clear distance between the rear of the front vehicle and the front of the rear vehicle shall at no time exceed five metres. The tow ropes, or chains shall be of a type easily distinguishable by other road users and there shall be clearly displayed on the rear of the vehicle being towed in black letters not less than seventy-five millimetres high and on a white background the words 'ON TOW'. No motor vehicle when towing another vehicles other than a trailer or sidecar shall be driven at a speed exceeding twenty-four kilometres per hour Use of horns and Silence Zones A driver of a vehicle shall not; Sound the horn needlessly or continuously or more than necessary to ensure safety: Sound the horn in silence zones; Make use of a cut-out by which exhaust gases are released other than through the silencer; Fit or use any multi toned horn giving an harsh, shrill, loud or alarming noise;
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Drive a vehicle creating undue noise when in motion Drive a vehicle with a muffler causing alarming sound. U Turn A U- Turn means a turn carried out within the width of the road without reversing so as to proceed in the opposite direction. After ensuring that there is no prohibition to take a U-turn, also make sure: That the road is wide enough for this manoeuvre That there is no traffic approaching from either side and you have full visibility of the road on both sides. Traffic sign and Traffic Police A driver of a motor vehicle and every other person using the road shall obey; Every direction given, whether by signal or otherwise, by a police officer or any authorised person for the time being in-charge of the regulation of traffic; Any direction applicable to him and indicated on or by notice, traffic sign or signal fixed or operated by an authority, competent to do so; Any direction indicated by automatic signalling devices fixed at road intersections. Distance from vehicles in front The driver of a motor vehicle moving behind another vehicle shall keep at a sufficient distance from that other vehicle to avoid collision if the vehicle in front should suddenly slow down or stop.
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Abrupt brake No driver of a vehicle shall apply brake abruptly unless it is necessary to do so for safety reasons. Vehicles going uphill to be given precedence On mountain roads and steep roads, the driver of a motor vehicle traveling downhill shall give precedence to a vehicle going uphill wherever the road is not sufficiently wide to allow the vehicles to pass each other freely without danger, and stop the vehicle to the side of the road in order to allow any vehicle proceeding uphill to pass. Obstruction of Driver No person driving a motor vehicle shall allow any person to stand or sit or to place anything in such a manner or position as to hamper the driver in his control of the vehicle. Speed to be restricted The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when passing or meeting a procession or a body of troops or police on the march or when passing workman engaged on road repair, drive at a speed not exceeding than 25 kilometres an hour. Driving of tractors and goods vehicles A driver when driving a tractor shall not carry or allow any person to be carried on tractor. A driver of goods carriage shall not carry in the driver's cabin more number of persons than that is mentioned in the
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registration certificate and shall not carry passengers for hire or reward. Projection of loads No person shall drive in any public place any motor vehicle which is loaded in a manner likely to cause danger to any person in such a manner that the load or any part thereof or anything extends laterally beyond the side of the body or to the front or to rear or in height beyond the permissible limit. Restriction to carriage of dangerous substances Except for the fuel and lubricants necessary for the use of the vehicle, no explosive, highly inflammable or otherwise dangerous substance, shall be carried on any public service vehicle. Restriction on driving back wards No driver of a motor vehicle shall cause the vehicle to be driven backwards without first satisfying himself that he will not thereby cause danger or undue inconvenience to any person or in any circumstances, for any greater distance or period of time than may be reasonably necessary in order to turn the vehicle round. Production of documents A person driving a vehicle;
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 shall always carry with him his driving licence; certificate of registration; certificate of taxation and certificate of insurance of the vehicle and in case of transport vehicle the permit and fitness certificate, also,  shall on demand by police officer in uniform or an officer of the Motor Vehicle Department in uniform or any other officer authorised by the Government, produce the documents for inspection. (Provided that where any or all of the documents are not in his possession, he shall produce in person an extract or extract of the documents duly attested by any police officer or by any other officer or send it to the officer who demanded the documents, by registered post, within 15 days of the demand). One-way There are three types of one-way regulations in force. The first and the most common type is the operation of traffic in one direction at all times. It is suitable in situations where parallel roads are available, a short distance apart, to handle traffic from opposite directions. The second type is the reversible one-way street, where the direction of flow is reversed depending upon the predominant direction of movement, as introduced in some metropolitan cities. The third type is operated as a two way facility during off-peak hours and is made one-way in the direction of predominant flow during peak hours.
Remember On one-way roads, you must choose the correct lane for exit as soon as you can. Unless road marking
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indicate otherwise, choose the left lane when going to the left, right lane when going to the right, choose centre lane when going straight. Do not drive you vehicle on roads declared as oneway except in the direction specified by the road sign. Do not drive you vehicle in a reverse direction with a road designated as one-way. Speed Speed is a relative term. You must aim at a good average speed of travel. Over speeding with reference to driver control, circumstances and violation of law is dangerous. Speeding with negligence is the direct cause of most road accidents leading to injury and death. Driving at a high speed does not give you sufficient reaction time to observe hazards. Other road users too, get less time to rect. The higher the speed, the greater the stopping distance and larger the chances of an accident. So make sure and drive within the stipulated speed limits. However, speed limit does not mean that it is safe to drive at that speed. Always drive keeping the following conditions in mind: Condition of the road Traffic Weather and vision Type of vehicle Restricted areas Your own skills and concentration The table shows the speed limits of the vehicles;
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Vehicles
Motor Cycle
Near School (In km/hr) 25
In Ghat Roads (In km/hr) 40
In Other Roads (In km/hr) 50
Motor Car
25
40
70
Auto rickshaw Light motor vehicles including motor cab Heavy motor vehicles
25
30
40
25
40
60
15
35
60
The golden rule for speed: Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see clearly. Over speed: One should not drive his own vehicle beyond prescribed speed limits. The allowable speed limit for vehicles is as follows:CAR : 50 KMPH LGV/HGV : 40 KMPH The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when passing or meeting a precession or a body of troops or police on the march or when passing workmen engaged in road repair, drive at a speed not exceeding 25 Km /hour. Parking  Every driver of a motor vehicle parking on any road shall park in such a way that it does not cause or is not
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likely to cause danger, obstruction or undue inconvenience to other road users and if the manner of parking is indicated by any sign board or markings on the road side, he shall park his vehicle in such manner.  A driver of a motor vehicle shall not park his vehicle i. At or near a road crossing, a bend, top of a hill or a humpbacked bridge; ii. On a foot-path; iii. Near a traffic light or pedestrian cross; iv. In a main road or one carrying fast traffic; v. Opposite another parked vehicle or as obstruction to other vehicle; vi. Alongside another parked vehicle; vii. On roads or at places or roads where there is a continuous white line with or without a broken line; viii. Near a bus stop, school or hospital entrance or blocking a traffic sign or entrance to a premises or a fire hydrant; ix. On the wrong side of the road; x. Where parking is prohibited; xi. Away from the edge of the footpath. Visibility of lamps and registration marks  No load or other goods shall be placed on any motor vehicle so as to mask or otherwise interrupt vision of any lamp, registration mark or other mark required to be carried by or exhibited on any motor vehicle by or under the Act, unless a duplicate of the lamp or mark so marked or otherwise obscured is exhibited in the
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manner required by or under the Act for the exhibition of the marked or obscured lamp or mark. All registration and other marks required to be exhibited on a motor vehicle by or under the Act shall at all times be maintained in a clear and legible condition. Use of Seatbelt Seat belt save lives and reduce the severity of injuries. With seat belt properly fasten, you become a part of the vehicle, rather than a loose object that can be tossed around inside during a crash or may be thrown outside. If someone is thrown out of a vehicle in a crash, his chances of being killed are 25 times greater than if he stay inside. People not having fastened their seat belts have been killed in crashes even at speed as low as 20 Km/h.
Driving In Dangerous Conditions 1. Driving at Night Be alert: pedestrians, bicycles, animals and hand drawn vehicles that travel without light are difficult to see. Drive at a slow speed to get a safe reaction and stoppage time. Turn on the headlights when darkness falls. Drive with dipped headlights in places where the roads are amply lit. Keep the headlights clear and clean and check them frequently. Also carry spare bulbs. Keep your windscreen clean because dirty windscreen can impair your vision.
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Avoid looking to the dazzling light if an oncoming vehicle is driving in high beam and gradually slow down your speed.
To reduce the glare of lights following you, switch your interior rear view mirror to the night position or slightly tilt it or tilt the exterior rear view mirrors. Do not mistake cock-eyed vehicle-a vehicle with one fused headlamp-for a two wheeler. Before overtaking ensure that the oncoming vehicle is at a safe distance. 2. Driving In Rain Check the working of wipers, windscreen washing fluid system, all vehicle lights, tyres, exhaust pipe. Be careful and reduce your speed as people may run across the roads in panic. Keep slow or away from water logged areas as water may enter the carburettor, ignition, muffler or distributor causing the vehicle to stop. Be considerate of other road users, avoid splashing of water. On slippery roads drive carefully and slowly. In case the vehicle slips, stop acceleration and press the clutch, hold the steering in a straight position and do not brake. Wait till you regain the grip 3. Driving In Foggy Conditions Drive slow but not so slow that it becomes a hazard to others.
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Distances are hard to judge and low visibility decreases your reaction time. Give yourself extra time to respond to any road hazards. Do not hit your brakes in panic, you may get hit from the back. Turn on your wipers and defroster and turn off the music. Drive with dipped headlights, high beams produce too much glare in fog. Use the central verge of the road to guide you. Honk your horn periodically to let other drivers know you are there. Never attempt overtaking. 4. Driving In Skidding Conditions Triggered by abrupt steering, braking or acceleration and due to loss of traction on slippery roadsskidding takes place. Roads become slippery when rain water and mud form a slippery material. Locations outside petrol pumps and oil refineries are generally slippery. Snow and ice are major factors that contribute to slippery roads. If you get into a skid, the best way to recover is Stop accelerating Press clutch Do not brake- it will enhance the skid For a slight skid that you can feel rather than see it happen – steer slightly in the directions of the skid to bring the front and rear wheels into line.
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5. Driving Where Traffic Lights Are Not Functional At signalized intersections, sometimes signals are non-functional due to no electricity or are partly functional due to missing or fused bulbs, and sometimes these are encroached by trees, poles or advertisement materials. It could also happen that on one side there may be a green signal and on the other side nothing is functional in such cases, always stop. You have to perform as if the Octagonal Stop sign is there. Stop, look, observe the traffic signals on your left and right, be cautious and proceed. Most accidents occur on intersections due to the carelessness of drivers. 6. Drunken Driving: Do Not Drive When Drunk When under the influence of alcohol, drivers lose the ability to take any decisive action resulting in unfortunate crashes. This happens because Alcohol slows down the mental process. It increases confidence but decreases performance. It affects brain’s ability to control and coordinate body’s movement. It slows down the reflex and hence the reaction time increases. It impairs the ability to judge speed and distance. It also impairs vision and hearing. 7. In Case Of Breakdowns and Accidents Most breakdowns are the result of negligence, failing to make routine checks, inadequate preventive maintenance and abuse of vehicle, Preventive
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maintenance reduces chances of a breakdown. However even a well maintained vehicle can break down occasionally. Warning Lights In case of a breakdown, switch on your warning lights to make your stationary presence known. In case it is possible – get the vehicle out of way of traffic for free movement of traffic. Be patient and do not panic. Warning Triangle Carry and advance warming triangle. It folds easily and is easy to stow. Use it to warn other road users if your car is obstructing the highway or is in a dangerous position as a result of a breakdown or accident.
Where to place the triangle? On the road, in the same lane, well behind the car Recommended distance is 50 mts behind your vehicle On a winding or hilly road, place the triangle where driers will see it before they have to deal with any bend or hump in the road On a very narrow road place the triangle on the near side kerb or footpath.
Co-Exist Peacefully On Road When Confronted By an Aggressive Driver Avoid eye contact.
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Stay calm and relaxed Make every attempt to get out of the way safely. Avoid confrontation – Do not respond by blowing horn, flowing too closely, cutting them off or applying brakes; give such drivers ample space. Do not take other driver’s behaviour personally, he might have some reason to drive erratically. If you feel you are being followed too closely, signal and pull over to allow the other driver to go by. Ignore harassing gestures and name calling, and do not return them. Avoid Becoming an Aggressive Driver Allow enough travel time to reach the destination on schedule. Alter your schedule to avoid driving during peak highway congestion periods. If you are running late, call ahead so you can relax. Do not drive when you are angry, upset or overly tired. Make your vehicle comfortable. Listen to relaxing music and avoid situations that raise your anxiety. When driving, relax and remain aware of your posture. Sit back in your seat, loosen your grip on the steering wheel and do not clench your teeth. Give others the benefit of doubt; be polite, courteous and forgiving. If you commit any driving error, apologize by simply waving your hands. Do not follow too closely. Allow at least a threesecond space between the vehicles ahead. Do not make gestures that may offend others.
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Remember, driving is not a contest. Hence, forget about winning.
Mandatory Pre-Checks of Vehicles Do not take your vehicle for granted. Before you drive your vehicle each day, make it a habit to inspect the basics of the vehicle. In addition to your daily review, periodical technical checking and regular servicing must be carried out. The saying, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ is an apt example for your vehicle. Daily Check List Before you start the engine, make a walk around exterior check of your vehicle and ensure that: The windscreen, windows, mirrors and number plates are clean. The tyres have a good tread and are properly inflated. Wheel nuts are securely fastened. No damage or theft of any exterior parts There is no leakage of fuel, water or oil under your vehicle and their levels are correct. Doors are secured properly Then while sitting on the driver’s seat, check the following: All lights and indicators are in proper working conditions Brakes are functional Ensure that the driver’s seat is in the proper position. The controls should be within reach and the visibility clear in all directions
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Sufficient fuel for travel Properly adjusted mirrors Car documents, especially your driving license is with you. Regular checks and servicing Regular checks for the following depend upon the frequency of vehicle usage. Engine oil, Water level (coolant) in the radiator, Brake fluid level Tyres must have the correct tread depth and be free of dangerous cuts or other defects and are inflated at the right pressure. Battery – top up with distilled water, when required. Some batteries are maintenance free and don’t need topping up Windscreen washer bottles are topped up. Working of wipers
Mechanical Failures Brake Failure If your pedal brake suddenly gives way Pump the brake pedal fast and strongly many times to build pressure Put your vehicle in low gear as we call this engine brakes If vehicle still does not come under control, use hand brake. Tyre Burst/Flat Tyre Tyre burst or sudden tyre puncture while driving at higher speed could be dangerous, especially of the front wheel tyres as you may lose control.
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Avoid panic – hold your steering wheel firmly. Do not brake abruptly and draw the vehicle towards the road side. Sudden Loss of Acceleration An accelerator wire beak or a break in petrol or current may create sudden loss of acceleration. Do not brake suddenly. Indicate your desire to turn left. Draw vehicle off the road to attend to failure. Stuck Accelerator This happens due to accelerator pedal or accelerator wire getting stuck. Press clutch immediately and bring gear to neutral. Then switch off the ignition and draw your vehicle to road side, preferable off the road, vehicle activating your hazard lights. Fire If you get a strong burning smell, it could be prelude to the possibility of a fire. Switch off ignition, draw the vehicle towards the road off side. Put on the hazard lights. Try to pull out the affected wires with a thick cloth or plyer. Do not use bare hands. Try to throw sand to put off the emerging fire. If fire is increasing, stay away from the vehicle. Fire can lead to explosion of the fuel tank. Warn other people near your vehicle to stay away.
Role of Different Types of Gadgets Traffic Police uses different types of safety gadgets to ensure safety of road users and also to ensure visibility
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at night. Various civic agencies and road owning agencies also play a vital role in road engineering and affixing of various road furniture to ensure safety of road users. These include reflectors, barricades, Crash barrier, collapse barrier, dragon light, blinker light, channelizer, etc. Speed Radar Gun: It is an instrument used to measure the speed of an oncoming vehicle. By holding it at a distance of 100300 m it reads and shows the actual speed at which the vehicle is being driven. If the rate of speed displayed by the meter exceeds the prescribed speed limit, the information is passed on to the team of personnel ahead and the vehicle is intercepted and the driver is prosecuted. Alchometer: The instrument is being used to measure the content of alcohol. The breath of the driver is analysed for the purpose. The driver is asked to the blow into the pipe attached to the instrument and the instrument in turn displays the content of alcohol intake. If the content of alcohol exceeds the prescribed limit, prosecution is carried out. Red Speed Camera: Cameras are being installed at major intersections to book the violators who indulge in red light jumping. The camera shoots the picture of the violating vehicle – the Registration No of the vehicle, time, date, and place and sends the same to the computer wherein the data is
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processed and notice generated, which is sent to the violator. It is a fool proof mechanism to prosecute the violators of intersection discipline. Reflector: Reflectors are affixed on road to ensure visibility at night. And they are used to indicate instructions to the driver. Speed Governor: Speed governors are mandatorily affixed in commercial vehicles so as to restrict its speed within the prescribed speed limit so as to avoid any kinds of accidents related to over speeding. Interceptor: The vehicle is fitted with latest gadgets to keep a check on violators. There is a video camera affixed inside the vehicle which can shoot violations within a range of half kilometre. Laser based speed radar is attached to a computer, which detects over speeding by vehicles, captures the image of the violating vehicle along with the complete detail. The data is recorded in the computer and shown to the violator at the time of prosecution. Disaster Management Vehicle: The vehicle is fully equipped with all necessary equipment to deal with any emergency situations on road resulting in traffic hazards such as accident, storm, etc. Instruments such as wood cutter, iron cutter, air filling
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machine, welding machine, high mast lights at a height of 20 ft. capable of illuminating an area of half kilometre radius is available in the vehicle. Mobile Exhibition Van: An effective medium of imparting road safety education to general public and school children. It consists of display panel, projector, VCD player, Television and generator for intermittent power supply. School children/general public are educated regarding road safety norms through photographic exhibition and film shows.
4. TRAFFIC SIGNS & CONTROL SYSTEMS Traffic Signs The traffic signs convey many different kinds of message to the driver, they can state laws, warn of hazards, or provide instructions and guidance to the operator. As one travels down the road ways, the shapes or colour of the sign can be recognised or the message read. For this reason, traffic signs have been standardized by shapes and colours. Each shapes and colours has a specific meaning. The general principle of traffic signs is to make a massage known quickly, (70 mph) accurately with a minimum reading skills required. It can be defined as the devices placed along, besides, or above a highway, or roadway, pathway, or other route to guide, warn, and regulates the pedestrians, equestrians, and other travellers. They serves 3 different purposes. 1. Regulate traffic, movements, or parking.
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2. To warn of potential dangers or changes in road conditions. 3. To provide information and guidance. Road Signs, markings, traffic signals and other traffic devices are there to guide the road users and hence are the languages of the road. Every road user whether a pedestrian, two-wheeler rider, driver of four-wheeled vehicle should have knowledge regarding these traffic controlling devices and should be aware of what they signify. Traffic Signs are there to regulate traffic, warn about hazards and to guide the road user.
Control System The common traffic control systems are discussed below
1. Light Control System Traffic Light There are mainly three types of traffic lights colouring systems are used; they are namely, RED, YELLOW, GREEN. RED: Come to complete STOP at stop line or before cross walking or intersection. After stopping, you may turn right on red at most intersection if the way is clear. Some intersection displays “NO TURN ON RED”; which you must obey.
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YELLOW STOP if u can do so safely. The light will soon be RED. GREEN Go, but only if intersection is clear. If turning left wait for gap in coming traffic to complete turn. Same as to the lighting system the lighted arrows are used in some cases. RED arrows: Come to complete STOP at stop line or before cross walking or intersection. After stopping, you may turn right on red at most intersection if the way is clear. Some intersection displays “NO TURN ON RED”; which you must obey. YELLOW arrow: STOP if u can do so safely. The light will soon be RED. Means the same as yellow light, but applies only to movement in the direction of arrow. GREEN arrow: A green arrow, pointing right or left, means you may make a turn in the proper lane for the turn after yielding
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pedestrians, even if a red light is showing at the same time. Steady Green Arrow Signal Proceed with caution in the direction indicated by the arrows. Remember that you must yield to all pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection. Flashing Red Signal You must come to a complete stop, yield to all other traffic and to pedestrians. Proceed only when the way is clear. Flashing Amber Signal. You should slow down and proceed with caution.
Lane Signal
The lane signals are used; When the direction of the flow of traffic changes. To show that a tool booth is open or closed. To show which lanes are opened or closed. You must never drive in a lane signal under red ‘X’ A yellow X mark means that your lane signal is going to change to red. Prepare to leave the lane safely. You must drive in lanes beneath a green arrow you must also obey all other signs and signals.
Indicator Lamps Indicator lamps are to be used for the direction in which the vehicle to move.
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These are in flashing amber colour and with an effective sound (in modern vehicles). A vehicle have a left, right and hazard indicators.
Reflectors Road reflectors are used to control traffic and encourage safe driving conditions. Road reflectors are made from ceramic or plastic. Road reflectors are also known as traffic delineators, raised pavement markers, road markers, cat’s eyes, road studs, and Botts’ dots. Some types of road reflectors have a reflective lens that reflects the light from vehicle headlights. Road reflectors are used for a variety of purposeds, and are especially important for making traffic lanes visible to drivers at night. The usage depends on the colour, and colours have different meanings depending on the country. A raised pavement marker is a safety device used on roads. These devices are usually made with plastic, ceramic, or occasionally metal, and come in a variety of shapes and colours. Raised reflective markers include a lens or sheeting that enhances their visibility by reflecting automotive headlights. Some other names for specific types of raised pavement markers include Botts' dots, delineators, cat's eyes, road studs, or road turtles. Sometimes they are simply referred to as reflectors. Road reflectors, also called raised pavement markers, street reflectors, road studs, or pavement
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reflectors, are used for traffic control and safety. Specs on road reflectors are available, please call for assistance. Scroll down for more information about our selection of road reflectors. All of our road markers are very easy to install, and we also carry the traffic marking supplies such as reflector adhesive to help you with your project. Colour Meaning For Reflectors Yellow/Amber: Used to mark the double lane in the centre of roads with two way direction traffic. Also used to mark the left edge on one way streets. White: Marks the right edge of the street or general lane divisions. Blue: Marks fire hydrants. Red: Used for restrictive markings such as "do not enter". Other Uses of Road Reflectors. Road reflectors can be installed in specific patterns to create various traffic control solutions. When ceramic road reflectors are placed close together in rows, spanning the width of a road, they can form a traffic calming rumble strip. When assembled in the shape of a diamond, road reflectors can be used to designate a HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lane. Pedestrian crossing zones are also sometimes created with road reflectors.
2. Sign Board System Traffic Signs Standard Colours And Shapes. There are 8 colours and 9 shapes of traffic signs. And these are used in all over the world. Each colour and shapes has an exact meanings.
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Colours 1. Green: guide, directional information. 2. Red: stop, yield, do not enter or wrong way. 3. Blue: motorist service guidance, also used to identify parking space for drivers with disabilities. 4. Orange: construction & maintenance warning. 5. Brown: public recreation areas and scenic guidance. 6. Yellow: general warnings. 7. White: regulators. 8. Black: regulators. Shapes: 1. Octagon: exclusively for stop signs. 2. Rectangle: generally for guide signs. 3. Triangle: exclusively for yield/warning signs. 4. Diamond: exclusively to warn of existing or possible hazards. 5. Round: mandatory signs. The three types of traffic signs are used in our country. They are; 1. Regulatory/Mandatory signs. 2. Warning/ Cautionary signs. 3. Guides/ Information signs.
ď ś Regulatory/Mandatory Signs Mandatory/Regulatory signs are traffic signs used to convey traffic rules and regulations such as intersection controls, weight limit, speed limit, one way, no parking and others. These signs are generally circular in shape. Also
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ones that give order regarding dos and don’ts and are to be followed strictly.
Stop sign Give way sign ‘Stop’ sign and ‘Give Way’ sign though of octagonal and inverse triangular shapes are two very important mandatory road signs.
No entry
One way
Right turn Left turn Prohibited Prohibited
Vehicle Prohibited In both directions
U- turn Prohibited
Over- turn Prohibited
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Horn Hand Cart Prohibited Prohibited
Tonga Prohibited
Bullock Cart Prohibited
Cycle Prohibited
Pedestrian Prohibited
All motor Bullock/Hand Truk Vehicles Cart Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited
Load Limit
Height Limit
No Parking
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Axle Load Limit
Speed Limit
Length Limit
Width Limit
No Stopping
Restriction ends
Compulsory Turn Right
Compulsory Turn left
Compulsory keep left
Compulsory ahead or turn right
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Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory Sound Horn Cycle Track Ahead or Ahead Only Turn Left
ď ś Warning / Cautionary signs: Warning signs are traffic signs that are used to warn road users about a potential danger. These signs are usually triangle in shape. Examples of warning signs are crows walk signs, curve warning signs, intersection ahead signs, flagger signs, workers sign, or road machinery sign.
Warning/ Cautionary sign
Some example for this type of signs are given below;
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Falling Rocks
Steep Descent
Steep Ascent
Horse
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T- Inter Section
Dual carriageway Ends
School
Cattle
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ď ś Guide/ Information Signs: Guide signs are used to inform drivers of route, gas, food, lodging, hospitals, rest area and others. Guide signs are designated by colour &shapes.
The guide signs are in the form of Rectangular in shape, white message on green back ground and also black mark on the blue back ground. Black message on white back ground, and they may be route markers (interstate system), route turn arrows & directional arrows, familiar destination, mileage signs, recreation sign, service signs, location of airports, bus stations, and railway stations. Some examples for informatory signs are given below;
Public Telephone
Petrol Pump
Hospital
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First-Aid Post
Resting Place
Parking This Side
Eating Place
No Through Road
Parking Both sides
Light Refreshment
No Through Side Road
Scooter/ Motorcycle Stand
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Cycle Stand
Taxi Stand
Flood Gauge
Advance Direction Sign
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Cycle Rickshaw Stand
Destination Sign
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Blue circles give a positive instruction. What is to be done. Red rings or circles give negative instructions. What should not be done, but the “No Parking” and “No Stopping” signs are exceptions to the above mentioned rules.
3. Hand Control System Traffic police hand signal The hand control system by the traffic police are shown in below;
To start one sided vehicles. To stop vehicles coming From front
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To Stop vehicles Approaching From Behind
To Stop Vehicles Approaching Simultaneously From Front & Behind
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To Stop Vehicles Approaching Simultaneously From Left & Right
To Start Vehicle Approaching From Left
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To Start Vehicle Coming From Right
To change Sign
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To Start One Side
To Start Vehicles
Vehicles
On T-Point
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To Give VIP Salute
To Manage Vehicles On T-Point
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ď ś Hand signal by drivers I intend to move in to the left or turn left
I intend to move out to the right or changing the lane or turn right I intend to stop
I intend to slow down
Indicating the car following you to overtake
4. Road Marking: Bare roads will lead to total vehicular confusion. Markings are painted on the road to direct, guide and regulate the road user.
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Road markings include all lines patters, words and colours applied on or attached to the road surface or kerb, for the said purpose Traffic paints are commonly used for road markings. Other materials such as, road studs, cat's eyes and thermoplastic strips also find their application in road markings. These markings promote road safety and ensure smooth flow of traffic. Sometimes, road markings are used to supplement the message of road signs and other devices. White is generally used for carriageway (road) markings except those indicating restrictions for which yellow markings are used. White or yellow together with black are used for kerb and object marking.
Broken Lines Solid lines Double solid lines White lines Yellow lines Pedestrian crossing
Centre Line: Centre Line Marking For a Two Lane Road On undivided two-way roads, the centre line separates the opposing streams of traffic and facilitates their movements. The centre line can be a single broken line, a single continuous solid line (barrier line), a double solid line or a combination of solid line and broken line. Single and double solid lines, whether white or yellow, must not be crossed or even straddled. On a road with two centre lines, of which one is solid and the other broken, the solid line has
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significance only it is on the left side of the combination as viewed by the driver.
In such a case, the driver must be careful not to cross or straddle the centre line. Lane Line: Lane Line and Broken Centre Line
Centre Barrier Lines: Centre barrier line marking for a four lane road.
Centre barrier line marking for a six lane road
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Double White/Yellow Lines Double Continuous lines are used where visibility is restricte in both directions. Neither stream of traffic is allowed to cross the lines.
Combination of Solid and Broken Lines If the line on your side is broken, you may cross or straddle it. Overtake - but only if it is safe to do so. If the line on your side is continuous you must not cross or straddle it.
Stop Line
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A stop line is a single solid transverse line painted before the intersecting edge of the road junction/ intersection. This line indicates where you are required to stop when directed by traffic officer, traffic light of stop sign. Where a pedestrian crossing is provided, the stop line is marked before the pedestrian crossing. Give Way Line
The give way line is usually a double dotted line marked transversely at junctions. These lines are generally supplemented by a reverse triangle give way sign painted on the road surface before the dotted lines or by a road sign installed besides the marking. Give way to traffic on the main approaching road. Border or Edge Lines These are continuous lines at the edge of the carriageway and mark the limits of the main carriageway up to which a driver can safely venture.
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Parking Prohibited Lines
A solid continuous yellow line painted on the kerb or edge of the carriageway along with a "No-parking" sign indicates the extent of no-parking area. Yellow Box Junctions or Keep Clear
These are yellow crossed diagonal lines within the box. The vehicles should cross it only if they have a clear space available ahead of the yellow box. In this marked area vehicles must not stop even briefly. Pedestrian Crossings
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These are alternate black and white stripes painted parallel to the road generally known as zebra crossing. Pedestrians must cross only at the point where these lines are provided and when the signal is in their favour at controlled crossings. You must stop and give way to pedestrians at these crossings. Pedestrian crossings are marked to facilitate and give the right of way to pedestrians Stop Stop well before the stop line, and don't crowd the intersection. This not only obstructs a clear view of the intersection for other road users, but also make the zebra crossing unsafe for the pedestrians. You are allowed to turn left at the red signal unless there is a sign specifically forbidding you to do so. When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles from other directions. Be Alert The Amber light gives time to vehicles to clear the road when the signal is changing from green to red. If caught in the Amber signal in the middle of a large road crossing do not press your accelerator in panic but do continue with care. Go If first in line, do not go tearing off at the green signal but pause to see whether vehicles from other directions have cleared the road. Sometimes you are allowed to turn left or right too, unless separate signs exist for each direction. If turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles from other directions. There are 4 stopping points are there; they are
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a. b. c. d.
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Thick white limiting line Cross walk line/ pedestrian line Side walk At a point where you can see without getting in to the intersection.
5. Road Control Devices a. Variable Message Signs or CMS are traffic control devices which can exhibit different traffic messages according to the needs of a specific road. Permanent CMS displays are mounted on large sign structures overhead or alongside the road. These devices are often placed on urban freeways which have traffic problems. Portable CMS (PCMS) panels are usually mounted on trailers, although some may be carried by trucks. They are often used in work zones or other events that disrupt traffic. CMS devices also follow a uniform shape, design and colour that were set by the MUTCD. b. High-level warning devices are traffic control devices that are high enough to see over other vehicles, such as but not limited to vehicle top, poles and other places not lower than 8 feet. These devices are also called flag tree because they feature two or three square fluorescent orange flags and a sometimes a flashing warning light. This type of traffic control devices are used in work zones in high traffic density urban areas. c. Channelling devices are used to warn drivers and pedestrians and to guide them through a work zone. Common channelizing devices are traffic cones and drums. This type of traffic control device are usually
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placed between traffic and road construction sites, or between opposing traffic streams. i.
Traffic cones are channelling devices shaped like cones, thus the name. They are made from bright orange flexible materials, not less than 18 inches (0.46 m) in height. Cones used at night must have bands of reflective material near the top. These are used to confine a particular area or divide traffic lanes temporarily.
ii.
Tubular markers are cylindrical in shape. They are also orange, with bands of reflective material near the top. They must be at least 18 inches (0.46 m) in height and 2 inches (51 mm) in body diameter. Tubular markers are made of flexible plastic and have a wider base that is glued or screwed to the pavement. They are used in a similar way as cones.
iii.
Vertical panels are reflective traffic control devices which measure at least 8 inches (200 mm) wide and 24 inches (610 mm) high. They are bright orange with diagonal white stripes. These panels are used to guide vehicle traffic. They can be more conspicuous than cones or tubular markers when viewed head-on, but are very thin and hard to see from the side. Construction barrels or drums are cylindrical channelling devices that are used when
iv.
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conspicuity is vital. These device are made with industrial-grade orange plastic and covered with alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes. These drums are usually ballasted with a heavy rubber base or a sandbag in the bottom for added stability. v.
Barricades are channelling devices used to redirect traffic on high-speed roads and expressways. There are different types of barricades depending on its size, design and applications. Barricades may be a fixed or portable traffic control device.
vi.
Temporary raised islands are pavements that are usually 4 inches (100 mm) in height and 18 inches (460 mm) wide that are used for temporary traffic control applications. This traffic control device follow the standard design set by the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide.
d. Road surface markings are traffic control devices that are applied directly to the road surfaces. They are used to guide and channel traffic by designating lanes and indicating stopping points at intersections. Pavement markings may be permanent or removable.
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Interim markings are temporary markings used in place of a pavement for two weeks or until a real pavement is installed in that specific area. These broken-line markings are at least 4 feet in length.

Raised pavement markers are used to supplement or replace pavement markings. They may have embedded reflectors or may be non-reflective.

Delineators are small reflective panels mounted on lightweight metal posts or flexible plastic tubes used to outline roadways and paths. These are about 4 feet high. Yellow reflective material is used for delineators on the left of the road, and white delineators are used to the right of traffic.
5. ROAD SAFETY Need of Road Safety Modern metropolitan living is getting more and more associated with traffic hazards. This can be attributed to complex and complicated road structures as well as increasing human and vehicular population. Enhanced life style and increase in the number of privately owned vehicles especially two-wheelers have made travelling on roads the most dangerous tasks to be undertaken. Globalisation, free market economy and free trade policies have had a direct impact on the increase of automobiles on roads, which in turn has led to vehicular congestion. Though the number of vehicles increased, the length and breadth of roads remained static. The only way
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left with the authorities to cope up with problem was to make improvisation on the already existing structures. Hence, construction of flyovers and other road accessories to ease vehicular movement. All such high-tech construction works involved engineering skill of a higher order and traversing on them requires driving skills of the higher order, which only a few road users have. Though this has eased congestion, chances of accidents have increased. And in maximum cases, accidents occurred because of human folly. Free flow of traffic has resulted in increase in speed of vehicles, which in turn has resulted in maximum number of accidents on flyovers because of drivers’ inability or incompetence to manipulate the speed properly. Most of the drivers lack intuitive judgement and defensive driving skills, the necessary qualities that a driver must possess. Most of the road users are unaware of road realities and are ignorant about road signs and markings. They have the least hint of things to come by the way they behave. Some such callous behaviours include improper parking, improper maintenance of vehicle which results in both air and noise pollution causing inconvenience to others, over speeding, rash driving, crossing the road at wrong places, and many more. Any one such act on the part of any one road user may be the cause of chaos and confusion on roads. And most of the people are either blind or inconsiderate about this and do things according to their whims. In face of all this road safety education has become an essential aspect of road management. Making people aware of the road situations and giving them
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precautionary tips would be of great help to redeem the situation. An ideal road safety education programme should be able to a. b. c. d.
Inculcate a sense of road discipline in the mind of every road user. Develop a wilful respect for road rules. Help a road user tide over any adverse situation on roads. Instil in the minds of road users a sense of fellow feeling.
NOTE: the study of California University says that; Every 12 minutes: someone dies in a motor vehicle accident. Every 10 seconds: a collision- related injury occurs Every 5 seconds: a vehicle collision occur. Top 5 Driver Distraction: 1. Talking to passengers - 96% 2. Adjusting vehicle climate or controls – 89% 3. Eating/ Drinking- 74% 4. Using a cell phone – 51% 5. Tending to children- 41% Also another one of the case study shows that; Analysis of Road Deaths 50% within minutes after crash due to disruption of brain, central nervous system, heart, major blood vessels
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35% within 1-2 hrs of injury – major head crest, abdominal injury or significant blood loss 15% within 30 days – brain death, organ failure, overwhelming sepsis Importance of initial care 50% of deaths occur on roads itself Hence, chances of survival depend upon the initial care given at road side Correct, expeditious and efficient management is required for the survival of critically injured. Post Injury Management: Timely Provision of Services Effective communication service Efficient transportation Integrated trauma services Rehabilitation Providing First-Aid to the Accident Victims Assessment of the condition of the patient. Maintenance of airway, if the patient is unconscious. In case of injury to spine or limbs, minimal handling and proper stabilisation of spine and/or splintage of fractures. Arrest bleeding and prevent shock by compression tourniquet. General wound care with proper sterilised first aid dressing material. Cardio pulmonary resusciation (artificial breathing) if required.
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John’s collision theorem
When; Urbanization+ Congestion+ Distractions are > individuals defensive driving skills collision occur. Common Collision Occurs: Improper backing Hit stationary objects In attention Distracted driving Improper speed Tail gating Over speeding Drunken driving Wrong overtaking Red light jumping Overtaking from blind corners Overloading Sudden turning Driving by minors Lane violation Talking on mobile Not wearing helmet Poorly maintained vehicle Some of the road safety things are discussed here. They are; Helmet Seat Belt Speed Breaker
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Road Signs Traffic Signals Traffic Rules etc… We are discussed the road signs, traffic signals and traffic rules before in ‘control systems’.
Helmet Facts about Helmet: 1. It should not obstruct vision. 2. It should not impair with hearing. 3. It should be light weight. 4. It should not cause fatigue which causes crashes. 5. It should not cause skin diseases. 6. It should not increase the probability of neck injuries. Kinds of Helmets to Be Used: It should have a thick padding of thermo Cole- at least 20 mm- which must extend to the sides of the head. A full face helmet is safer by all means. Components and Roles of The Helmet: The Shell: The shell of a helmet is an injection moulded thermoplastic or a pressure moulded thermoset that is reinforced with glass fibers or made of fiber glass. It absorbs energy in an impact:- The shell bends when the helmet is impacted and the underlying foam
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deforms. At moderate speeds the shell can take onethird of the impact energy.  It distributes local forces from an impact:- Rigid objects like stone or a projecting beam can cause a skull fracture at low forces, the shell acts to distribute the force of such impact eliminating the risk of penetration.  It allows sliding on road surfaces:- The shell being rigid and having a convex shape allows the helmet to slide along a road surface without there being an excessive force.  It protects the face and temples:- Full-face helmet is beneficial in protecting the face and jaw. The chin bar of such helmets contain rigid foam to absorb energy for direct blows on the chin, prevent facial bone fractures and prevent the lower part of the forehead and temple being struck. The foam line: This is a moulding of polystyrene beads or polyurethane foam. It provides a stopping distance for the head. The foam can compress by 90% during an impact, although it recovers partially afterwards. But this helps increase the stopping distance thus reducing the peak deceleration of the head. It also protects as much as possible of the head. Proper strapping systm: It is essential to wear a well-fitting helmet for the effective working of chinstrap system. To test if the helmet fits your head properly, tightly fasten the chinstrap and then pull helmet off forward by gripping the rear and then
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pulling. The strap must be threaded correctly so that the buckle locks the strap when it is pulled from the chin side. The strap must be pulled as tight as is bearable under the chin.
ď ś Seat Belt a) Wearing seat belt in a moving vehicle is believed to have saved millions of lives worldwide. Wearing of seat belt is mandatory and the most important precaution you can take to minimize your risk in an accident. b) Everyone has an equal chance of being involved in a collision so do not take any chances on your safety and that of your fellow passengers. c) When your car is involved in a collision, your car decelerates very quickly. Unless you or other vehicle passengers are held back by means of a safety belt you keep on moving in the same speed as your car was cruising before the impact. d) At high speed, the front seat driver and passenger if not restrained by a safety belt would smash their heads against the windscreen, Their bodies could badly hit against the steering wheel or dashboard and legs could get crushed in the under steering area. You may even be thrown out of the car with high impact.
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e) Even rear seat occupants without safety belts could suffer grievous injuries as they hit the back of the front seats and their occupants. f) Not only is it important to wear a seat belt but also it must be worn correctly to help reduce chances of injury or death. The shoulder belt should be worn as closely fitted to the body as possible, over the shoulder, never under the arm (as this may crush ribs and injure internal organs.) g) Secure your children h) Having children in the front seat is a danger for the child. Sudden braking action in a moving car can throw the child forward hitting the front panel and windscreen glass resulting in serious injuries. It is recommended that children below the age of ten years must be securely fastened to the rear seat. Special children's car seats with safety belts are recommended. i) Children above the age of ten years may sit in the front seat but as a rule must always be fastened securely with the safety belts. Never allow children to sit with you in the driver's seat or stand in the front seat area. Safety rear door locks are fitted in modern cars for children safety. These locks cannot be opened from inside. In any case securely lock your rear doors while children are seated. Persons not wearing seats belts are liable to pay a penalty of Rs. 100/- for the 1st offence and Rs. 300/- for
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subsequent offences as per Section 177 of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. So always wear seat belt while driving.
ď ś Speed Breaker Speed breakers are traffic calming devices constructed in accident prone areas.
ď ś Emergency Information Panels Every goods carriage used for transporting any dangerous or hazardous goods shall be legibly and conspicuously marked with an emergency information panel in each of the three places indicated in the Table below so that the emergency information panel faces to each side of the carriage and to its rear and such panel shall contain the following information, namely; i The correct technical name of the dangerous or hazardous goods in letters not less than 50 millimetres high; ii The United Nations class number for the dangerous or hazardous goods as given in Column 1, Table 1 appended with rule 137, in numerals not less than 100 millimetres high; iii The class label of the dangerous or hazardous goods of the size of not less than 250 millimetres square; iv The name and telephone number of the emergency services to be contacted in the event of fire or any other accident in letters and numerals that are not less than 50 millimetres high and the name and telephone number of the consignor of the dangerous or hazardous
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goods or of some other person from whom expert information and advice can be obtained concerning the measures that should be taken in the event of an emergency involving such goods.
(All Dimensions are in mm)
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1. Explosives An explosive means a solid or liquid or pyrotechnic substance (or a mixture of substances) or an article; i Which is itself capable by chemical reaction of production of gas at such a temperature and as such as speed as to cause damage to the surroundings; ii Which is designed to produce an effects, by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke or a combination of these, of non-detonative selfsustaining exothermic chemical reaction. Symbol (exploding bomb) : Black Background : Orange 2. Gases, Compressed, Liquefied, Dissolved Under Pressure Or Deeply Refrigerated. A. A gas is a substance which i at 50째C has a vapour pressure greater than 300 kPa; or ii Is completely gaseous at 20째C at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa. B. Substances of gas are assigned to one of three following divisions based on the primary hazard of the gas during transport; 2.1 Non-flammable gases Gases which are transported a pressure not less than 280 kPa at 20째C, or as refrigerated liquids and which,
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are asphyxiant-gases which dilute or replace the oxygen normally in the atmosphere; ii are oxidizing-gases which may, generally by providing oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material more than air does; or (Hi) do not come under the other divisions; Symbol : gas cylinder (black/white) Background : green 2.2 Inflammable gases Gases which at 20째C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa, Or have a flammable range with air of at least 12 percentage points regardless of the lower flammable limit. Flammability shall be determined by tests or by calculation in accordance with methods adopted by International Standards Organization [ISO: 10156:1996] or by Bureau of Indian Standards [IS: 1446-1985]; Symbol (Flame) : Black or White Background : Red 2.3 Poison (toxic) gases Gases which are known to be so toxic or corrosive to humans as to pose a hazard to health. Symbol (Skull and crossbones) : Black Background : White i
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3. Inflammable Liquids i Extremely flammable liquids: Chemicals which have flash point lower than or equal to 23°C and boiling point less than 35°C. ii Very highly flammable liquids: Chemicals which have a flash point lower than or equal to 23°C and initial boiling point higher than 35°C. iii Highly flammable liquids: Chemicals with a flash point lower than or equal to 60°C but higher than 23°C. iv Flammable liquids. Chemicals which have a flash point higher than 60°C but lower than 90°C. Symbol (flame) : Black or White Background : Red 4. Inflammable Solids, Substances Liable To Spontaneous Combustion; Substances Which, On Contact With Water, Emit Inflammable Gases. Reactive substances are those substances which start reacting chemically with any other material and reducing gases through their own decomposition. Such substances are Inorganic Alkalis (for example NaOH, Iodine and the like) and Acids (for example đ??ť2 đ?‘†đ?‘œ4 , đ??ťđ?‘ đ?‘œ3 , HCL and the like)
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4.1 Inflammable solids Symbol (flame) : Black or white Background : Red. 4.2 substance liable to spontaneous combustion Symbol (flame) Background
: Black : Upper half white 4.3 Substances which, on contact with water, emit inflammable gases. Symbol (flame) Background
: Black or White : Blue
5. Oxidizing Substances And Organic Peroxides 5.1 Oxidizing substances Substances which, while in themselves not necessarily combustible, may generally by yielding oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material. Such substances may be contained in an article; Symbol (flame over circle) : Black Background : Yellow
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5.2 Organic peroxides Organic substances which contain the bivalent-00- structure and may be considered derivative of hydrogen peroxide, where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by organic radials. Organic peroxides are thermally unstable substances which may undergo exothermic self-accelerating decomposition. In addition, they may have one or more of the following properties, i. be liable to explosive decomposition; ii. burn rapidly; iii. be sensitive to impact or friction; iv. react dangerously with other substances; v. cause damage to the eyes. Symbol (flame over circle) : black Background : yellow 6. Poisonous (Toxic) Substances And Infectious Substances. 6.1 Poisonous (toxic) substances Chemical having the following values of acute toxicity and which owing to their physical and chemical properties, are capable of producing major accident hazard Symbol (skull and cross bones) : black Background : white
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6.2 harmful substances The bottom half of the label should bear the inscription: harmful: stow away from foodstuffs : Andrew’s cross over an ear of wheat Background : white Symbol
6.3 Infectious substances The bottom half of the label should bear infectious substances (optional) and the inscription of “in the case of damage or leakage immediately notify public health authority (optional) Symbol
: (three crescents superimposed on a circle)and inscription: black Background : white 7. Radioactive Substances Radioactive materials mean any material containing radionuclide where both the activity concentration and the total activity in the consignment exceed the values specified, depending on the type of material by the Atomic Energy Commission of India.
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Symbol: 3 segments of circle-a number and lettering of the class label shall be black on a white background and the parallel lines bordering the class label shall be black and shall be 5mm thick 8. Corrosives Corrosive substances are substances which by chemical action will cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue or in the case of leakage will materially damage or even destroy other goods or the means of transport. They may also cause other hazards. Symbol : (liquids spilling from two glass vessels and attaching a hand and metal): black Background: upper half white and lower half black with white border.
6. GUIDELINES ď ś Guidelines For Children
The advice given below on crossing the road is especially for children. Children should be taught the safety code and should not be allowed on the road alone until they can understand and follow it properly. Children learn by example, so parents and teachers should always follow the Code properly when going out with their children. They are responsible for deciding at what age children can use it safely by themselves.
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While Walking to School Always walk on the footpath only. On roads without
footpath, walk on the extreme right hand side of the roads. Do not be impatient on the road. Do not rush or run on the road. Cross only at Zebra crossings, traffic signals, subways, foot over-bridges. Where such facilities do not exist, look for a safe place to cross. At the signal lights, cross only on a clear green signal. If an intersection is controlled by a policeman, traffic warden or RSP cadet, cross only when he signals you to do so. When crossing between vehicles parked on the side of the road, remember that you are not visible to the moving traffic (because the parked vehicles may be taller than you). Stop as you appear from behind the vehicle and look for a safe gap before crossing. Remember, drivers need plenty of time to see you and to slow down and stop. While crossing wide roads that have central islands, always cross in two stages. Cross to the central Island, stop, and cross when the next section is clear. While crossing one-way streets, remember that the traffic will usually be moving in a number of lanes and at higher speeds. Do not cross unless all lanes are clear.
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Never cross a road at a corner/curve, as the motorist will taking the turn not be able to see you in time. Running across the road is a bad idea, as you may slip and fall. While Going By Bus Leave home well in time, so that you won't have to
run to catch the bus. At the bus stand, always follow the queue. Board the bus only after it has come to a halt, without rushing in or pushing others. While in the bus, shouting or making a noise is definitely bad manners. Such behaviour can also distract the driver. Do not board or alight at a bus stop other than the one decided by the school. Never board and alight at a red light crossing or unauthorized bus stop. Always hold onto the handrail if standing in a moving bus, especially on sharp turns. Do not sit, stand or travel on the footboard of the bus. Do not put any part of your body outside a moving or stationary bus. Always adhere to the bus safety rules.
Guidelines For Parents Of School Children : Parents are equally responsible for the safety of their
children during school journeys.
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They must ensure that the mode of transport arranged by school or by themselves is absolutely safe. Parents must play the role of vigilant observers. They should note down violations committed by school buses and immediately report to the authorities. Parents must participate in P.T.A. meetings and discuss the safety aspects of their children. While taking their children to school themselves, they should take proper care of their safety. Parents must ensure that the children acquire the right knowledge and skills for safe use of roads. They should teach their children the basic rules of the road, how to walk and cross the road, how to alight and board a bus etc. Parents should not allow their minor children to drive. Parents must also ensure that the right attitude for a law abiding citizen is imparted to their children by the family. Children are very good observers and therefore, parents must set an example by meticulously observing even small traffic rules.
Remember safety of children must be the foremost priority of every parent. Guidelines For Teachers For Ensuring Safety Of
School Children : It is the responsibility of school authorities and the teachers to ensure the safety of school children and also to impart the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to be a safe road user.
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Teachers should help develop a responsible attitude towards road use in school children. Teachers should impart essential knowledge about roads and traffic to school children, by: i. Making them familiar with the rules of road and their importance. ii. By explaining them the causes of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and children. iii. Telling them about the cause and extent of pollution due to traffic.
Children come to school in various modes of transport. Teachers should ensure that: The children enter and leave the school safely. There is no conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. The vehicles including school buses are parked safely and properly. Every school bus must be accompanied by a teacher for controlling the children and the bus driver. The teacher should arrange for an alternate bus and keep the children together at one place if the school bus fails to arrive or if there is any problem. There should be regular checking of school buses to ensure compliance with mandatory safety requirements. If any school bus or any conveyance, by which children come to school, violates traffic rules, the teachers should inform about it to their principal or Traffic Police Control Room.
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Essentials For A School Bus:
As ordered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India; "School Bus" must be written on the back and front of the Bus. If it is a hired bus, "On School Duty" should be clearly indicated. Bus must have a First-Aid-Box. The windows of Bus must be fitted with horizontal grills. There must be a Fire Extinguisher in the Bus. School Name and Telephone No. must be written on the Bus. The doors of the Bus should be fitted with reliable locks. To keep School Bags safely, there should be a space fitted under the seats. There must be an Attendant from the School in the Bus. Any parent/guardian or a teacher may also travel to ensure these safety norms.
Guidelines For Pedestrians:
The most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities is to pay attention. You can significantly reduce your chances of being in a collision with a motor vehicle by obeying traffic rules and being aware of dangers posed by cars in your vicinity. Make eye contact with drivers if possible and make sure that they can see you.
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Pedestrians must: Where possible, avoid walking next to the kerb with your back to the traffic. If you have to step into the road, look both ways first. Wear or carry something light coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (e.g. armbands, sashes, waistcoats and jackets), which can be seen, by drivers using headlights, up to three times as far away as nonreflective materials. Young children should not be out alone on the pavement or road. When taking children out, walk between them and the traffic and hold their hands firmly. Strap very young children into push-chairs or use reins. Always walk on the footpath, they are meant for you. Where there is no footpath, walk in the right side margin of the road so that you can see the traffic coming in the opposite direction. Cross roads where there are pedestrian crossings. They have been painted at great cost for your convenience. Where there are no pedestrian crossings, watch the traffic on both sides and cross when it is safe. You MUST NOT walk on motorways or slip roads except in an emergency Never walk on the main carriageway, it could be fatal. Do not read newspapers or look at hoardings while walking on the road.
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Do not greet friends on the road. Take them to the footpath or the side margin. Do not come on to the main road while waiting for a bus. Stay on the footpath at earmarked bus stoppage. Where there are barriers, cross the road only at the gaps provided for pedestrians. Do not climb over the barriers or walk between them and the road. Do not run after a moving bus. Follow safety rules on the road and live long. You MUST NOT get on to or hold on to a moving vehicle. Don't "Drink and Walk." If you've been drinking, take a cab or a bus, or let someone sober drive you home. When walking at night, wear retro-reflective outdoor clothing or shoes or lights to make you more visible. Avoid wearing dark clothing. At all crossings. When using any type of crossing you should always check that the traffic has stopped before you start to cross or push a pram onto a crossing. Always cross between the studs or over the zebra markings. Do not cross at the side of the crossing or on the zigzag lines, as it can be dangerous. You MUST NOT loiter on zebra, pelican or puffin crossings. We must follow the six-step crossing code whenever we have to cross the road: 1. THINK What is a safe place to cross? Where can I see all the traffic properly? Make sure you are not hidden behind a parked car. 2. STOP At the edge of the road where you have decided to cross.
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3. LOOK and LISTEN Look both ways, many time, to see if there is any traffic coming. 4. WAIT For all the traffic to pass, and for road to be clear 5. CROSS Walk straight across the road. 6. KEEP LOOKING AND LISTENING Keep looking in all directions as you cross the road until you get to the other side. Situations Needing Extra Care:
Emergency vehicles: If an ambulance, fire engine, police or other emergency vehicle approaches using flashing blue lights, headlights and/or sirens, keep off the road. Buses: Get on or off a bus only when it has stopped to allow you to do so. Watch out for cyclists when you are getting off. Never cross the road directly behind or in front of a bus; wait until it has moved off and you can see clearly in both directions. Guidelines for Motorcyclists:
The motorized twowheeler rider is the one most likely to sustain serious injuries no matter what he hits- a pedestrian, a cat or another vehicle. This is because he is traveling at a speed more than 15 km/h without any protection around, and the human body is
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not able to tolerate forces generated when the head or any other bone hits hard and rigid objects at speed higher than 15 km/h. We can avoid accidents by following guidelines: While driving always carry your driving license and important documents such as your vehicle registration certificate, insurance certificate, road tax and P.U.C certificate MUST NOT carry more than one pillion rider and he/she MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat and should keep both feet on the footrests. Make yourself as visible as possible from the sides as well as the front and rear. You could wear a white or brightly coloured helmet. Wear fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may also make you more conspicuous. You should be aware of what is behind and in the sides before maneuvering. Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted. Wear reflective clothing or strips to improve your chances of being seen in the dark. Never Drink while driving Follow the traffic signals, lights and signs Avoid using the cell phone when driving. If urgent move to left, stop and then take the call Do not ride at high speeds. You may lose control and your life in the bargain Always use a helmet Do not ride or wheel your vehicle on to the footpath Use your lights when riding at night Understand the signals given by other road users and use the same when riding
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Never stop abruptly in traffic. Move to the left and slow down When passing a stationery vehicle allow sufficient clearance for the car doors which may open suddenly Do not try and weave your way through stationery or slow moving traffic. It may cause accidents Slow down at zebra crossing and if needs be stop Always ride with both hands on the handlebar except when signalling Don't sit children on fuel tanks or stand them in front of the rider Avoid using brakes at turns. If needed, ensure both brakes are applied gently MUST wear a protective helmet. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST be fastened securely. Advantages of helmet It should not cause fatigue which causes crashes. It should not cause skin diseases. It should not increase the probability of neck injuries. Railway Level Crossings:
Do not cross if the red lights show, an alarm is sounding or the barriers are being lowered. The tone of the alarm will change if another train is approaching. If there are no lights, alarms or barriers, stop, look both ways and listen before crossing.
7. FIRST-AID In Case of Wound
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The job of first-aider is to remove or reduce the problems that hamper healing such as dirt, infection, movement, etc. Leave the wound undisturbed. Clean the wound by washing them with running water. If there are splinters, thorns and pieces of glass inside the wound remove them with a pair of tweezers so as to avoid infection.
In Case of Profuse Bleeding The easiest way to stop bleeding is to apply direct pressure on the wound. This can be done with any clean folded cloth. Lean on the wound with the heel of the hand instead of your figures.
In Case of a Fracture In case of a fracture do not apply direct pressure; instead use a splint, combined with as gentle pressure bandage. It is safer not to give the patient anything to eat and drink. This is to protect the patient from vomiting in case he needs anaesthesia and surgery, or has a head injury. If the wound on the arm or the leg is bleeding profusely, it can be raised. This reduces the blood flow to the wounded area.
In Case of Chest or Abdomen Injury In abdominal wounds the intestines may come out. The only thing you can do as first-aider is to cover the
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wound with a very wet clean cloth and get the patient quickly to a hospital. The wet cloth will keep the intestine from drying out, and will stick to the intestine.
Open wounds of the chest could be sucking in the air, making it hard for the patient to breathe. Covering of the wound with a piece of polythene and putting a bandage on the top of this may help to reduce air being sucked into the chest. Get the patient quickly to hospital.
In case part of a Limb is cut off If a part of the limb has been cut off it may be possible to reattach it to the body. Put it inside a clean polythene bag and place this bag in another bag with cold water. If you can easily get ice put some in the water to keep it cool. Make sure that the limb does not get soaked in water. If nothing else is available, carry the amputated part in a clean cloth quickly to hospital. In large crush injuries or in amputation avoid washing the wounds, as it will lead to more blood loss. Just cover the wound with clean cloth and tie a pressure bandage quickly. If possible keep the limb raised. Avoid using raw cotton wool to cover a wound as it gets stuck to the wound, and is difficult to remove and delay healing.
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In Case of an Eye Wound Do not attempt any cleaning or washing of an open eye injury. Cover the eye with a clean soft cloth; place a stiff covering on top to prevent any pressure coming on the eye. This is important because the contents can be squeezed out even through a very small wound.
In Case of Bleeding From Ear Bleeding from ears mean either injury to the ear alone, or serious head injury. Avoid putting anything in the ears to stop bleeding as this could further damage the eardrum. Get the patient to lie down with the injured ear facing down.
In Case Bleeding From Nose Bleeding from nose could also mean a head injury. If the patient is conscious and can sit up, ask him to pinch his nose and breathe through his mouth. If he can lean forward, then that could prevent blood from going to his wind pipe choking him. If the patient is unconscious he should lie with the face to one side, for the blood to come out easily, so that there is no choking.
In Case Of Injuries To Muscles, Bones And Joints When muscle joints or bones get injured, blood collects over the area, and a swelling appears. You can reduce the swelling by bringing down the bleeding. Apply cold water or ice packs if available. It reduces local blood
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flow and this brings down the internal bleeding and swelling. But remember not to keep ice packs on more than ten minutes at a stretch as this will lead to something like frostbite, and not to place ice directly on skin. Always wrap it in a cloth first. A muscle injury can be made less painful by putting a splint on the injured limb.
In Case of Broken Bones and Dislocated Joints A fracture or dislocation can be confirmed if there is obvious deformity, abnormal mobility, if the limb cannot be moved at all and if a grating feeling is there. First aid for all fractures and dislocations must aim to reduce movement, which will give relief from pain. Splinting should be done with caution.
Shifting The Injured To The Hospital Ensure that he is not hurt more. The patient should be carried on firm board of stretcher so spine remains stable. While shifting, the patient's back, neck and airway need to be protected from further injury. So always take help of another person. If the patient is unconscious, gently place a large folded cloth or towel under the neck so that the neck doesn't sag against the ground. The vehicle used to carry the patient to the hospital should have enough space to keep the patient's back straight and the person accompanying should be able to care for and resuscitate the patients if necessary. During transportation keep a watch on whether the patient's airway is clear, whether the patient is
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breathing and whether you can feel the pulse in the patient. If there is only one limb injury the patient can be safely taken to hospital on a chair in a sitting position. Take care to splint or protect limb injuries or bleeding.
8. SLOGANS It’s better to be late than Mr. Late. It is better to reach late than never Lane Driving is Safe Driving No Mobile While Mobile Obey the sign and pay no fine. 6. You are always right, when you obey light. 7. With precaution, reach your destination 8. Obey traffic rules, the lifesaving tools. 9. Caution and care, make accident rare. 10. Don’t be rash, lest you crash. 11. Dusk or Dawn, headlights on. 12. A little care makes accidents rare. 13. Turn left and right, and cross when time is right. 14. Accident brings tear, safety brings cheer. 15. Alert today, alive tomorrow. 16. Keep death off the road, learn the Highway Code. 17. Drive carefully, drive again. 18. Better to prevent than lament. 19. Drinking and Driving: A bleak chance of surviving. 20. A few safety measures are life’s treasures. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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21. Take care, accident will be rare. 22. Be cautious, Life is precious. 23. Share the roads with care. 24. Drive with care, as life has no spare. 25. On road, be cautious because everybody’s life is
precious. 26. Drinking & Driving, Easy way to hell. 27. Drive carefully to live joyfully. 28. Driving with grace, and giving others space. 29. Have road sense, live with confidence. 30. Using dipper at night, to see the traffic right. 31. A little care and no Medicare 32. Follow regulations, avoid collisions 33. Don’t be daring, be caring! 34. Rules of traffic are there to obey, follow them every day. 35. On the road to school, be careful, don’t be playful. 36. Drive to care but not to dare. 37. Speed thrills but kills. *****
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. The “Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1989” of central motor vehicle department. 2. The “Motor Vehicle Act 1988” of the Kerala Govt. 3. The rules and regulations of central motor vehicle department *****