Road Safety Basic Rules Of The Road

Road Safety-Basic Rules Of The Road

With new vehicles coming out each day and lot of new drivers behind the wheel. Road safety plays an vital role. So follow Road Safety-Basic Rules Of the Road.
It is imperative that we get back to the basics and make sure we are following the rules. Make sure everyone else we know following the rules.
No exceptions-if you area behind the wheel of a car or riding two wheeler. You have to know and follow the rules.
Rules and regulations regarding motor vehicle is more or less similar in some aspects. But it varies from country to country.
There may be similarities in some rules and regulations. But all should follow applicable rules and regulation of their residing country where they are present physically.

Here are some basic rules which shall follow in India as below. Might be some of them are same in different regions. Below details is solely for information purpose only.

Please go through authorized department for exact rules and regulation of your country.

Keep Left:
Drive as close to the left side of the road and allow all traffic going in the opposite direction to pass on the right hand side.
Turning Left:
When needing to turn onto a road on the left, stay close to the left side of the road and after making the turn continue on the left side of the road. (Do not cut across lanes from the right side of the road and then turn left).
Turning Right:
When turning onto a road on the right side, first approach the center of the road as safely as possible and then turn to the right and stay on the left side of the road.
Passing:
If there is a need to pass traffic proceeding in the same direction, always pass/overtake them on their right side. The only exception to this would be the case where a vehicle that is trying to turn to the right (and has indicated their intention to turn right) is occupying the center lane and therefore requires passing them on the left side.
Passing Prohibited:
Overtaking/passing a vehicle proceeding in the same direction is prohibited in the following scenarios:
1. The passing/overtaking would cause inconvenience or danger to any vehicle proceeding in any direction.
2. On bends/curves in the road or on hills or there are other obstructions present that prevents a clear view of the road ahead.
3. If the driver behind the current vehicle has already start to overtake the vehicle.
4. The driver of the vehicle in front has not yet give signal that he may overtake.
5. ( Please Note: The solid lines paint on the middle of the road indicate prohibition of passing for as long as the line is a solid line- you will notice them on bridges, curves and where visibility of the road ahead is not present. Overtaking when safe to do so if line changes to a dashed line.)
When being Passed/Overtaken by another vehicle:
The driver should not speed up or do anything to prevent the other vehicle from passing.
Intersections:
Drivers should slow down when approaching road corners, intersections, junctions or pedestrian crossings and not enter until sure that such an entry will not endanger the safety of pedestrians or people in other vehicles there.
Right of Way:
When entering an intersection that is not regulated by a traffic signal or by a traffic policeman and which is an entry onto a main road, the driver of the vehicle is to give right of way to the vehicles already proceeding on that road. In all other cases the driver is to give way to traffic approaching from his right hand side and only then proceed.
Emergency Vehicles:
Allow Fire Service Vehicles and Ambulances free passage and drivers of all other vehicles should move their vehicles to the side of the road to do so.
Pedestrians:
Pedestrians have the right of way at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings.
“U” Turns:
Take “U” turns only when
1. Not explicitly prohibition by a sign
2. Only after indicating the turn is being planned either through a hand signal or through the vehicle indicators
3. After checking the mirrors to make sure there is no traffic from behind.
4. Checking the road to make sure that there is no other traffic and it is safe to do so.
Required Signals:
These are really hand signals are mentioned in point 13 of the rules of the road. Very few people actually know the hand signs and use them. It is good to learn them and be prepared to use them if you have any issue with your indicator lights or with your brake lights. The hand signs for the following should be followed if the vehicle brake/indicator lights do not work:
1. When the vehicle is about to slow down
2. When the vehicle is about to stop.
3. When the vehicle is about to turn to the right side or pass a vehicle on the right.
4. When the vehicle is about to turn to the left.
5. When indicating that it is safe for the vehicle behind to pass.
Indicators:
The signals indicated can be simplified by the use of mechanical or electrical devices (indicators).
Parking:
When parking the vehicle make sure that it does not cause any danger, obstruction or inconvenience for other road users.
Registration:
Loads or goods should not be kept on the vehicle in a manner that obstructs visibility, the headlamps/tail lamps or the registration number of the vehicle. If there is any obstruction of the registration, keep duplicates in a visible spot.
One Way Roads:
In case of “One Way” roads, drive only in the direction as per the road signs. Do not drive the vehicle in reverse into a “One way” street.
Stop Lines:
At road intersections, pedestrian crossings and stop signs make sure that the vehicle is fully behind the stop lines paint on the road. The driver has to drive taking into account this requirement of stopping before the stop line when requires by a stop light or sign or by a police officer.
Towing:
No vehicles towing behind another motor vehicle. The only exceptions are :
1. Mechanically disabled vehicles.
2. Incomplete vehicles by means of assembly.
3. Trailers and sidecars with registration from authority.
4. The above may be towed only for the purpose of delivery or to the nearest garage or service station.
Noise:
Drivers should not
1. Sound the horn more than necessary for safety. Continuously and unnecessary sounding of the horn is illegal.
2. Sound the horn In silent zones ( for e.g. such as hospital zones ).
3. Use multi-tone horns that are harsh, shrill, loud or alarming.
4. Use cut outs for the exhausts.
5. Drive vehicles that create a lot of noise when in motion.
6. Drive vehicles without proper mufflers causing a loud sound.
Traffic Lights & Signs:
Obey the traffic signal lights , the instructions of the traffic policemen or by authority in charge of regulating traffic.
Following Distance:
Keep sufficient distance behind the vehicle in front to allow distance to stop if the vehicle in front has to stop suddenly.
Right of Way on mountain roads/ steep roads:
Where the width of the road is not sufficient for vehicles to pass each other safely, the vehicle going downhill has to stop to the side of the road and allow the vehicles going uphill to pass.
Obstruction of Control:
Do not allow a person to sit, stand or place anything that obstructs driver control of the vehicle.
Passing Pedestrians:
When passing a procession, meeting, troops or police on the march or road repair workmen do not drive faster than prescribe speed limit as per government rule.
Tractor & Goods Carriages:
Do not carry passengers on the tractor. Drivers of good carriages should not allow more persons than listed on the vehicle registration to travel in the cabin or take passengers for hire or reward.
Loading:
Do not load vehicle in such a way that causes danger to other road users. Load carrying vehicles should not have anything extending outside the vehicle towards the front, rear, sides and should also follow maximum height restrictions.
Dangerous Materials:
Other than the fuel and lubricant necessary for vehicle operation. Do not carry explosive, inflammable or other dangerous substance on any public transport vehicle.
Driving in reverse:
The driver should not drive the vehicle in reverse without first making sure that doing so would not cause any danger or inconvenience to any person on the road.
Documents to be carried/produced on demand:
The person driving the vehicle is to always carry the following documents:
1. Driving License.
2. Certificate of registration of the vehicle or RC Book.
3. Certificate of taxation.
4. Certificate of insurance.
5. For transport vehicles the following additional documents are required : 1) Vehicle Permit, 2) Fitness Certificate.
6. These documents are to be produced on demand by any Police officer in Uniform, Officers of the Motor Vehicles Department in Uniform or by any officer authorized by the Government.

Driving Safety : DO’s and DONT’s