Traffic Signs and Road Safety Measures
Traffic signs are the silent speakers on the road. Be it the person
behind the wheel or a pedestrian, having a sound knowledge about road safety is necessary for all before
hitting the streets.
Traffic signs give information about the road conditions ahead,
provide instructions to be followed at the major crossroads or junctions, warn or guide drivers,
and ensure proper functioning of road traffic. Being unaware of road signs is akin to throwing caution to
the wind. It can lead to loss of life and property. A person is supposed to be familiar (get through a
written or oral test) with the traffic signs and symbols before acquiring a driving license in India.
Road Safety Signs are Primarily of Three Types:
1. Mandatory Signs:
These traffic signs are used to ensure free movement of traffic and make the road users cognisant of
specific laws and regulations, restrictions and prohibitions. Violation of these road safety signs
is an offence, as per law.
2. Cautionary Signs:
These traffic signs make the road users conscious of hazardous conditions on the road beforehand.
The drivers, accordingly, take necessary actions to handle the situation.
3. Informatory Signs:
These traffic signs guide road users about destinations, distance, alternative routes, and
prominent locations like food joints, public toilets, nearby hospitals, etc.
These traffic signs make the road users conscious of hazardous conditions on the road beforehand.
The drivers, accordingly, take necessary actions to handle the situation.
Road Safety Education
Education about road safety is often provided in schools, colleges,
workplaces, clubs and public places. However, there could be other ways to create mass awareness:
1) Distribute booklets and pamphlets in schools.
2) Show presentations on road safety, traffic signs and negative aspects of road accidents in the classrooms.
3)Share online content with peers.
4) Encourage parents to help children learn preventive measures in real-time.
5) Educate teachers with the basic laws and regulations on the road.
Celebrating Road Safety
Every year, prominent metro cities of India celebrate the road safety week to
promote road safety measures and aware people about various traffic signs.
During the entire week, the transport departments of multiple states create awareness
through community building process in schools, colleges, offices, and on roads.
They also sensitise people about the outcome of drunken driving, high-speed driving,
the importance of wearing a helmet for bikers and seat belts for four-wheeler drivers.
They also educate about traffic and driving signals. At times, they choose themes to
communicate to the masses. Road Safety Week 2018 will be celebrated in India from 19-25 November.