Basic Rules of the Road
The rules enlisted under this category are to be meant for all the people sharing the roads. The idea behind formulating such rules is that the roads are meant not only for the drivers (including motorists/cyclists/motorcyclists), but are shared by the pedestrians and animals by the road side. The rules belonging to these categories are mandatory to be followed while using the roads. You can observe all the above-stated rules only if you are patient, considerate and careful.
Traffic Signals
A traffic light, traffic signal or a stop light is a signaling device positioned at a road intersection to indicate when it is safe to wade through. The traffic signal passes on its information using a universal color code.
Road Signals
Signs form a vital and integral part of the trafficking system for the safety of the road users. As per IRC (Indian Roads Congress) Road Signs are for indications on the road the road signs are categorized into 3 types:
• Mandatory Signs or Regulatory Signs
• Cautionary Signs or Warning or Precautionary
• Informatory Signs
Hand Signals
Hand Signals or Manual Regulation Signs are the gestures used to regulate traffic on the road using the hand movements. Traffic policemen use these actions to regulate traffic particularly at intersections while the drivers use these signals to notify the other users on the road about his intentions. Based on the person these can be categorized as:
• Hand Signals by Policeman
• Hand Signals by Drivers
Road Markings and Pavement Markings
Road markings or pavement markings were introduced in 1920s. Initially, they were used to indicate the road's centerline. But, as they traffic increased, so did the roads and the lanes and later with the multi lane roads they were used to define lanes. With the times, they too have evolved a lot adorned with the information to aid motorists in passing safely.
• Road Marking Signs
Road Trip Tips
While on the roads, every one sharing the roads should respect each other’s presence and their right of advancement on roads. The section points out some basic tips in order to make driving a smooth experience.
For Cyclist:
In the year 2003, 772 Cyclists were involved in accidents on Delhi Roads. 171 of them succumbed to their injuries while 646 were seriously injured. In order to be safe while cycling on roads of Delhi, keep the following tips in mind:
- Wear a cycle helmet and appropriate clothes.
- Use the cycle lane, where ever provided. Ride on the left of the road, with other traffic.
- Obey stop signs and traffic lights, like the rest of the traffic.
- Give signals with one hand while riding. Never ride with just one hand on the handle bar except when giving a signal.
- Keep both feet on the pedals.
- Look back over your shoulders and take a right turn comfortably, give way to the traffic coming from behind.
- Never follow any vehicle closely. Maintain safe distance.
- Avoid big and busy roads with fast moving traffic.
- Do not enter a street where you see the "No Entry" sign.
- Stop before you enter moving traffic from a driveway, a parking lot, a minor road, or from behind a parked car or bus. Go ahead only when the way is clear.
- If you are passing a stopped car be careful, a door may suddenly open.
- Never stop your cycle on a pedestrian crossing. Never ride your cycle on a footpath.
- Never try to overtake- if you must, do it only if the driver of the vehicle in your front has permitted or signaled you to overtake. Never try to overtake a vehicle, which is in the process of taking a turn.
- Under no circumstances should you ride on the wrong side of the road or cross the road abruptly.
- Never stop suddenly without showing a signal. Watchfully move towards the left while slowing down, but signal your intentions to the traffic following you.
For Pedestrians:
The most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries is to pay attention. Follow safety rules on the road and live long. In order to be safe while walking on roads of Delhi, keep the following tips in mind:
- Make eye contact with drivers if possible and make sure that they can see you.
- Avoid walking next to the kerb with your back to the traffic.
- Wear or carry something light colored, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (e.g. armbands, sashes, waistcoats and jackets.
- Walk between children and the traffic and hold their hands firmly.
- Always walk on the footpath, 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. 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.
- Do not read newspapers or look at hoardings while walking on the road.
- Do not greet friends on the road.
- Do not come on to the main road while waiting for a bus. Do not run after a moving bus. Get on or off a bus only when it has stopped to allow you to do so.
- Do not climb over the barriers or walk between them and the road.
- You must not get on to or hold on to a moving vehicle.
- Don't "Drink and Walk."
- When using any type of crossing you should always check that the traffic.
- You must not loiter on zebra crossings.
- If an ambulance, fire engine, police or other emergency vehicle approaches using flashing blue lights, headlights and/or sirens, keep off the road.
For School 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. In order to make school children safe on Delhi roads, keep the following tips in mind:
- 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.
- Cross only on a clear green signal.
- Do not cross unless all lanes are clear.
- Never cross a road at a corner or curve.
For Drivers:
Drivers usually drive under tense conditions. They should primarily focus on ways to control aggressiveness:
- Be a cautious and courteous driver. Have consideration for others.
- Avoid creating a situation that may provoke another motorist.
- Don't tailgate.
- Don't make inappropriate hand and facial gestures.
- Use horn sparingly.
- Stay far behind a suspected drunken driver.
- Always wear safety belts.
- Use low beams in bad weather conditions.
- Keep specified speed limits in mind while driving.
- Limit the speed at curves and turns.
- During night time be cautious about road signs, pedestrians, animals, slow moving vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles.
- If someone is catching up and wants to overtake, let him.
- Don't drive faster than the flow of the traffic.
- Two wheeler drivers should wear helmets.
- Car drivers and others in cars should wear seat belts.
- Always carry your driving license and important documents such as your vehicle registration certificate, insurance certificate, road tax, and P.U.C certificate with you while driving.
- Don't drink while driving.
- Don't drive under influence of drugs.
- Obey all traffic signals, lights and signs.
- Use indicators and signals while changing lanes.
- Don't use cell phones while driving.
- Always stay alert while on road and be considerate to pedestrians especially with senior citizens, handicapped and ladies.
- Don't overload vehicles.
- Don't use tinted glasses.
- Always drive in correct gears.
- Avoid sudden braking and harsh acceleration.
- Never use clutch as footrest while driving.
Note: These are a collection of rules generally applicable to whole of the driver community as a whole including private and commercial vehicle drivers.
