Of crowded roads and ethical behaviour

Of crowded roads and ethical behaviour

The Hindu

Sudden turn, lane jumping cited as major causes for road accidents

Bangalore: Driving on crowded roads in Bangalore needs ethical behaviour. Almost a moral code, if the older generation is to be asked.

The traffic police would like the 200-plus driving schools in Bangalore to teach road manners as well but most schools appear to be keen on making money by helping their students get driving licences.

The reason why most learners don't get properly trained or develop wrong driving habits later on, is the attitude of other drivers to those with "L" board on their cars or two wheelers, say driving school instructors. This is especially so in the case of women who are often practically forced off the road by intimidation from sports utility vehicles that tower over other vehicles. Air-conditioned cars preclude the use of hand signals; many young drivers are not even familiar with them.

The trouble is many drivers forget to use indicators to warn others that they are about to turn. According to studies by traffic police, vehicles taking an abrupt turn cause about 18 per cent of the road accidents. "Lane jumping" is another major cause of accidents.

Many drivers are unable to make up their minds about where they are heading till the signals change to green.

Angry hooting of horns by others follows. Yet another feature of good road manners are being considerate to pedestrians, especially the elderly and children. Bangalore has very few pedestrian crossings that are clearly demarcated, or manned by traffic police or synchronised with signals, for safe crossing on foot.

At most other places, pedestrians take serious risk unless the traffic is thin or drivers are considerate enough to at least slow down. Stopping for a few seconds to allow a child or an aged person to cross safely is a sign of good manners.

Another common courtesy most police personnel readily offer but few drivers do is help push a car that may have stalled near a signal. Women drivers especially need such help.

What happens often is angry blaring of horns and use of bad language because the person in front has let his or her carburettor flood or let the self-starter fail.

As in many other things in life, a little patience and a lot of consideration result in less tension on the road.