Demonic Delhi traffic is part of many a conversation piece. Yet, when we are out on the roads in our fancy vehicles, we become a part of a large chaotic, uncivilised, uncaring and jostling bunch of road users, who neither know the law which governs us (since we were never told) nor are deterred by challaning policemen (since that is always negotiable). Let’s face it — no authority in the world can possibly police every inch of the road; so to expect miraculous laws and idealistic enforcement to keep us moving in straight lines, with controlled speed and with due care and respect for other road users, is rather far-fetched.

What is required is implementing an extremely strict and incorruptible driving licence regime, preparing a standardised road lane/ road signs policy and then effective campaigns targeted at drivers spread over months/ years. And then bringing in zero-tolerance.

The alarming statistics necessitate a re-look at our road safety legislation, the framework within which discipline and deterrence operate. The global status report on road safety issued by the WHO recently observes that “comprehensive and clear legislation, enforced with appropriate penalties and accompanied by public awareness campaigns, has been shown to be a critical factor in reducing road traffic injuries and deaths”. In another report, issued a couple of months ago by the Law Commission of India on legal reforms to combat road accidents, the recommendatory body deals largely with enhancing punishment for offences — but only peripherally recommends enforcement measures, like media campaigns and recognised driving schools through public-private partnership. Most importantly, it recommends that we amend the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution to bring non-motorised transport within the purview of Parliament, and that there should be an over-arching Central enactment to cover all traffic in India.

... contd.