I have been traveling and working abroad for over 25 years. We Indians obey all the laws and rules while we visit or work abroad. Why can’t we discipline ourselves in our own country? The only time we follow the law or rules is when there is possibility of punishment or heavy fine. I have seen how the heavy punishments and penalties when implemented can bring down the indiscipline. Some of the suggestions are as follows:
1. Install cameras at all signals that would be programmed to click the pictures of vehicles that jump the signals. These cameras can be connected to a central system where the records cannot be tampered. No violator can go unpunished. If people know that jumping the signal can invite heavy penalty, the discipline would come automatically. It may seem like a expensive solution; however, looking at the rate the vehicles jump the signals, the cameras and system can pay for itself in no time. Besides, it would provide a legitimate source of income for the RTO to finance other projects. The question here is, whether our traffic department would even consider this option. They want people to violate the traffic so that they can collect the ‘Toll’.
2. The same can go with other traffic violations, such as speed guns. These must networked to a central system that cannot be tampered. Otherwise, as it is often seen, the traffic police with portable speed guns catch the violators and collect the ‘Toll’. Needless to say that the money never reaches the RTA.
3. It should be made a part of our education system to stress the importance of civic sense in general and traffic sense in particular. We talk about safety only when a mishap takes place. Soon we forget everything and go back to our usual unruly behaviour. Parents can also play a very important role in education the children right from the young age. The first step is, never break any traffic rules in the presence of your children. We can take efforts to stop the ‘Chalta hai’ culture.
4. When I came to UAE 20 years ago, the traffic was in a mess as there are people from almost 70 odd countries working here. Each has his own driving style. The traffic department used to show 10-15 second video clips on almost all television channels every hour. The clips showed how an error can result into a disaster or fatality. Visual education is always far more effective. It proved to be so effective that today you will see very disciplined traffic everywhere in UAE. The fines and penalties for breaking traffic rules are heavy and hence effective. I have not seen a policeman taking bribe and letting an offender go.
5. The way our traffic authorities give licenses is a matter of ridicule everywhere. We have to have a very strict control on issuing the driving licenses. The drivers must be properly educated before they even get the learner’s license. Classroom lectures and written tests must be made compulsory before a learner’s license is issued.

Knowing our system and our record on implementation, it looks no more than wishful thinking. However, we must make a start somewhere, and before it is too late. It is already late enough.

I have been traveling and working abroad for over 25 years. We Indians obey all the laws and rules while we visit or work abroad. Why can’t we discipline ourselves in our own country? The only time we follow the law or rules is when there is possibility of punishment or heavy fine. I have seen how the heavy punishments and penalties when implemented can bring down the indiscipline. Some of the suggestions are as follows:
1. Install cameras at all signals that would be programmed to click the pictures of vehicles that jump the signals. These cameras can be connected to a central system where the records cannot be tampered. No violator can go unpunished. If people know that jumping the signal can invite heavy penalty, the discipline would come automatically. It may seem like a expensive solution; however, looking at the rate the vehicles jump the signals, the cameras and system can pay for itself in no time. Besides, it would provide a legitimate source of income for the RTO to finance other projects. The question here is, whether our traffic department would even consider this option. They want people to violate the traffic so that they can collect the ‘Toll’.
2. The same can go with other traffic violations, such as speed guns. These must networked to a central system that cannot be tampered. Otherwise, as it is often seen, the traffic police with portable speed guns catch the violators and collect the ‘Toll’. Needless to say that the money never reaches the RTA.
3. It should be made a part of our education system to stress the importance of civic sense in general and traffic sense in particular. We talk about safety only when a mishap takes place. Soon we forget everything and go back to our usual unruly behaviour. Parents can also play a very important role in education the children right from the young age. The first step is, never break any traffic rules in the presence of your children. We can take efforts to stop the ‘Chalta hai’ culture.
4. When I came to UAE 20 years ago, the traffic was in a mess as there are people from almost 70 odd countries working here. Each has his own driving style. The traffic department used to show 10-15 second video clips on almost all television channels every hour. The clips showed how an error can result into a disaster or fatality. Visual education is always far more effective. It proved to be so effective that today you will see very disciplined traffic everywhere in UAE. The fines and penalties for breaking traffic rules are heavy and hence effective. I have not seen a policeman taking bribe and letting an offender go.
5. The way our traffic authorities give licenses is a matter of ridicule everywhere. We have to have a very strict control on issuing the driving licenses. The drivers must be properly educated before they even get the learner’s license. Classroom lectures and written tests must be made compulsory before a learner’s license is issued.

Knowing our system and our record on implementation, it looks no more than wishful thinking. However, we must make a start somewhere, and before it is too late. It is already late enough.

If someone is very keen, please call me at +91-9923794498

If someone is very keen, please call me at +91-9923794498

Hi tech. products such as speed gun, hidden video cameras etc. should be employed to catch traffic law breakers and a severe penalty should be charged to them. The traffic police department needs to be very strict and stringent in executing this. Social forums and people like us should put a continuous pressure on the traffic police department to make people follow the rules.

Hi tech. products such as speed gun, hidden video cameras etc. should be employed to catch traffic law breakers and a severe penalty should be charged to them. The traffic police department needs to be very strict and stringent in executing this. Social forums and people like us should put a continuous pressure on the traffic police department to make people follow the rules.