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Road Safety: AHSEC Class 11 Environmental Education
Get summay, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF, competency-based questions of chapter/unit III, Road Safety: AHSEC Class 11 Environmental Education, which is part of the present syllabus. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
Road accidents are a significant problem faced by people all over the world. To prevent these accidents, it is necessary for everyone to learn and follow basic safety rules. Road safety refers to the precautions that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians take to avoid injuries and ensure everyone’s safety on the road. This involves following all traffic rules and regulations.
Accidents are caused by several factors. The most common are human errors, such as driving after drinking alcohol, speeding, feeling tired, or not paying attention. Other causes include poorly constructed roads, mechanical failures in vehicles, and environmental conditions like bad weather or difficult terrain. To address these issues, solutions are based on four main ideas known as the 4 ‘E’s. These are Engineering, which means building safer roads and vehicles; Enforcement, which involves making sure rules are followed; Education, which teaches people how to be safe; and Emergency Services, which provide quick medical help after an accident.
Drivers must follow specific rules to keep the roads safe. They should always keep their vehicle to the left side of the road and only overtake other vehicles from the right. It is also required to use signals when turning, slowing down, or stopping. Parking is not allowed in certain places, such as near intersections, on footpaths, or where it can block traffic. Drivers must not use mobile phones or drink alcohol before driving. They are also required to carry important documents like a driving licence, vehicle registration, and insurance certificate.
Safety is a shared responsibility for everyone on the road. People walking should use footpaths when available and cross at zebra crossings. When using a bus, it is good practice to board one at a time and hold on firmly while the bus is moving. For those riding two-wheelers, wearing a helmet is mandatory as it protects the head from severe injury in a crash. Similarly, people in cars must wear seatbelts. A seatbelt is a safety device that holds a person in their seat during a collision, which can prevent serious harm.
To help guide road users, there are traffic lights, signs, and road markings. A red light means stop, an amber or yellow light means to get ready, and a green light means to proceed. Road signs are divided into three categories. Mandatory signs, which are typically circular, give orders that must be followed. Cautionary signs, which are triangular, warn of potential hazards ahead. Informatory signs, usually rectangular, provide information about directions or nearby facilities. Lines on the road also guide drivers, showing them where to stop or when it is safe to change lanes or overtake.
Textual/Exercise
1. What does Road Safety mean?
Answer: Road safety can be referred to as the precautionary measures taken by any vehicle driver, cyclist, pedestrian, and passenger on the road in order to prevent injuries and accidents, thereby assuring safety. There are traffic rules and regulations that have been laid out and should compulsorily be followed.
2. What are 4 ‘E’s in respect of road safety? Specify in brief.
Answer: The 4 ‘E’s in respect of road safety are:
Engineering: Indian Roads are commuted by pedestrians, bicycles, carts, rickshaws, public heavy vehicles, light motor vehicles, etc. Therefore, roads should be constructed systematically and scientifically for the benefits of all commuters. Likewise, vehicles should also be manufactured with the latest and advanced technologies. Proper and correct engineering of roads can ensure a lower rate of accidents.
Enforcement: Regular and strict enforcement of road safety rules and regulations have managed to bring down accident rates and can continue to do so in the future. It also gives States the scope to incorporate safety-related positive legislative changes and strict enforcement thereof.
Education: Imparting education on the golden rules of the road to each and every driver and road user will help ensure safer roads for travelers and vehicles.
Emergency Services: Well-regulated and effective emergency medical services can bring down the number of deaths due to accidents substantially.
3. What is a Helmet and why should it be used?
Answer: As per section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, wearing a helmet is mandatory for both the biker and the rider. The helmet certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards is the only one permissible for use.
A helmet should be used because it protects from head injuries and fatalities. Its use is effective at reducing fatalities up to 40% and severe head injuries up to 70%. Two-wheelers make up a large proportion of those injured or killed on the roads, making helmet use very important.
4. Write a short note on the requirement of seat belt.
Answer: A speeding vehicle causes the occupant’s body to reach a state of uniform motion along with the motion of the vehicle, which is termed inertia. In the event of a collision or sudden use of the brake of a vehicle, the occupant’s body still remains in motion due to the force of inertia. A seatbelt serves as a Primary Restraint System by applying an opposite force on the occupant’s body and hence preventing ejection from the vehicle. Additionally, it also keeps the passenger and driver’s body in the correct position so that airbags can function with maximum effectiveness during a collision. As a result, injuries can be minimized during collisions. Studies reveal that a significant percentage of deaths during accidents can be attributed to negligence in fastening seat belts. Under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, not fastening a seat belt is a punishable offense.
5. What is a Driving Licence? Specify the classes of Motor Vehicles for which Driving Licence is granted?
Answer: A driving licence is a licence issued by a competent authority authorizing a person to drive a specified class of vehicle.
Following are the classes of vehicles for which a Driving Licence is issued:
- Motor cycle without gear,
- Motor cycle with gear,
- Invalid carriage,
- Light motor vehicle,
- Transport vehicle,
- Road-roller,
- Motor vehicle of a specified description.
6. What does Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 state with respect to drunken driving?
Answer: With respect to drunken driving, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 states that if a breath analysis or blood test indicates a blood alcohol level of 30 mg or more for every 100 ml of blood, the driver is liable for a fine of a minimum of rupees 2000 or imprisonment or both under section 185 of the Act.
7. Mention 5 road rules applicable for a school bus?
Answer: Five road rules applicable for a school bus are:
- The driver must have 5 years of experience driving a heavy vehicle.
- Over-speeding or being under the influence of drugs disqualifies a person from being a school bus driver.
- The driver should wear a uniform.
- School buses must be painted yellow with the school name and contact details.
- ‘On school duty’ shall be inscribed on the front of the school bus.
8. How many classes of road signs exist? Mention them
Answer: Road signs are classified into three classes, and these are:
- Mandatory Road signs
- Cautionary Road signs
- Informatory Road Signs
9. What should a driver do in case of an accident?
Answer: In case of an accident, the driver shall stop the vehicle forthwith. If any person is injured due to an accident, the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident shall take immediate measures to get medical treatment for the injured unless the injured person or his guardian desires otherwise. The driver should inform the occurrence of the accident to the nearest police station as soon as possible, in any case within 24 hours, and also inform the insurer in writing.
10. What valid documents should be carried by a non-transport (personal) vehicle?
Answer: The valid documents that should be carried by a non-transport (personal) vehicle are:
- Registration Certificate.
- Insurance Certificate.
- Pollution under control certificate (if the vehicle is 1 year old from the date of initial registration).
- Driving licence of the class of vehicle you are driving.
11. What are the major causes of Road accidents?
Answer: The major causes of road accidents can be summarized as:
Human factors: 85% of accidents are caused by human factors such as drunk driving, drowsiness, fatigue, lack of awareness of road signs, violation of rules, distracted driving, pedestrian errors, etc.
- Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure such as incorrect road engineering, dilapidated condition of roads, etc., also contributes significantly to road accidents.
- Mechanical factors: Mechanical errors such as driving an ill-maintained vehicle, abrupt mechanical failure, etc., can lead to accidents on the road.
- Environmental factors: Unfavourable terrain, unforeseen natural calamities, bad weather conditions, etc., cause accidents frequently.
12. What is the name of Road Safety plan adopted Worldwide in the year 2011? Write in brief.
Answer: The name of the Road Safety plan adopted worldwide in the year 2011 is “The Decade of Action on Road Safety 2011-2020″.
This movement was launched across the globe on 11th May 2011. It was initiated not only to start awareness on road safety but also to curb the loss of lives due to road mishaps. There are several strategies put forward under this initiative, some of them are to enhance emergency services, build road safety management, improve legislation and enforcement on helmets, seatbelts, and child restraints, and avoid drinking and driving and speeding.
13. Since when did the National Road Safety policy was adopted in India?
Answer: In the year 2005, the Union Cabinet, based on the recommendations of the Sundar Committee, approved the National Road Safety Policy to improve road safety activities in the country.
14. Mention 5 Traffic Rules to ensure Road Safety.
Answer: Five traffic rules to ensure road safety are:
- Keep the vehicle as far as possible to the left-hand side of the road and allow other vehicles to move by your right-hand side.
- Overtake vehicles from the same direction by the right-hand side.
- Give way to the fire brigade vehicle or ambulance by drawing yourself to the left side.
- Do not mix drink and drive.
- Respect the pedestrian, blind, elders, and differently-abled persons.
15. What kind of licence is to be procured from our country by an Indian to drive in foreign country? What are the application procedures?
Answer: An Indian citizen needs to procure an International Driving Permit to drive in foreign countries.
One can apply in the prescribed form with the following details to the local District Transport Officer:
- Copy of Indian Driving Licence
- Copy of Passport and Visa
- 3 copies of recent passport photo
- Medical certificate in prescribed form
- Necessary fees
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. What is the purpose of traffic rules and regulations?
Answer: The purpose of traffic rules and regulations is to ensure safety on the road. They are precautionary measures that have been laid out for vehicle drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and passengers to follow compulsorily in order to prevent injuries and accidents.
2. Name three examples of human factors causing road accidents.
Answer: Three examples of human factors that cause road accidents are drunk driving, which impairs judgment; drowsiness or fatigue, which reduces alertness; and distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle.
3. How does poor infrastructure contribute to road accidents?
Answer: Poor infrastructure contributes significantly to road accidents through issues like incorrect road engineering, which can create unsafe road designs, and the dilapidated or poor condition of roads, which can lead to loss of vehicle control.
4. What are mechanical factors that can lead to road accidents?
Answer: Mechanical factors that can lead to road accidents are mechanical errors related to the vehicle itself. These include driving an ill-maintained vehicle or experiencing an abrupt and unexpected mechanical failure while on the road.
5. Mention two examples of environmental factors causing accidents.
Answer: Two examples of environmental factors that frequently cause accidents are unfavourable terrain, such as steep or winding roads, and bad weather conditions, which can reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
6. From which side should a driver overtake another vehicle?
Answer: A driver should overtake vehicles that are moving in the same direction from the right-hand side. This is a standard rule to ensure predictability and safety during overtaking manoeuvres.
7. When should a driver not overtake another vehicle?
Answer: A driver should not overtake if it creates difficulties for vehicles coming from the opposite side, at a road intersection, or on a hillside where visibility is not clear. Overtaking is also forbidden if another vehicle is already trying to overtake you.
8. What should a driver do when being overtaken by another vehicle?
Answer: When another vehicle has begun to overtake, a driver must not accelerate or do anything that would cause inconvenience to the overtaking vehicle. They should allow the other vehicle to complete the manoeuvre smoothly.
9. What is the rule for entering a main road from a bye-lane?
Answer: When entering a main road from a bye-lane where traffic is not regulated, a driver must give priority to the vehicles that are already travelling along the main road.
10. List three places where parking a vehicle is not allowed.
Answer: Parking a vehicle is not allowed in several places to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. Three such places are on a footpath, near a traffic light or pedestrian crossing, and alongside another parked vehicle.
11. What should a driver do when approaching a road intersection?
Answer: When approaching a road intersection, junction, or crossing, a driver must slow down. They should not enter the intersection until it is certain that there is no danger to pedestrians or other traffic.
12. What does Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandate?
Answer: Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, mandates the wearing of a helmet by both the biker and the pillion rider. Non-compliance with this legal requirement is a punishable offence.
13. What is the penalty for drunken driving under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988?
Answer: Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a driver found guilty of drunken driving is liable for a fine of a minimum of 2000 rupees, or imprisonment, or both.
14. What is the purpose of a seat belt in a vehicle?
Answer: A seat belt serves as a Primary Restraint System. Its purpose is to apply an opposite force on an occupant’s body during a collision or sudden braking, thereby preventing ejection from the vehicle and minimizing injuries.
15. What documents should be carried for a non-transport vehicle?
Answer: For a non-transport, or personal, vehicle, the driver must carry the vehicle’s Registration Certificate, Insurance Certificate, a Pollution Under Control certificate if the vehicle is over a year old, and their own valid driving licence.
16. What documents are required for a transport (commercial) vehicle?
Answer: The documents required for a transport or commercial vehicle include a Fitness Certificate, an up-to-date Road Tax receipt, a Permit, and in the case of a bus, a Conductor’s licence.
17. What does a flashing red traffic light indicate?
Answer: A flashing red traffic light indicates that a driver must come to a complete stop. They may only go ahead when the road is clear and it is safe to proceed.
18. What does a flashing amber traffic light indicate?
Answer: A flashing amber, or yellow-brown, traffic light indicates that a driver must slow down and proceed ahead with care, being alert for any potential hazards.
19. What are the three classifications of road signs in India?
Answer: In India, road signs are classified into three types. These are Mandatory Road Signs, which must be obeyed; Cautionary Road Signs, which warn of hazards; and Informatory Road Signs, which provide information.
20. What is a roundabout or rotary?
Answer: A roundabout or rotary is an intersection that has a central traffic island. When approaching one, a driver must slow down and give way to other traffic that is already on the roundabout to their right.
21. What is the purpose of a Zebra crossing?
Answer: A Zebra crossing consists of white stripes drawn across the road. Its purpose is to provide a designated and safe place for pedestrians to cross the road from either side.
22. What does a white broken line across the road mean?
Answer: White broken lines across the road, also known as a give way line, mean that any motorist approaching it must give preference to oncoming traffic before proceeding.
23. What is road safety? Why is it essential for every youth to be aware of it?
Answer: Road safety refers to the precautionary measures taken by any vehicle driver, cyclist, pedestrian, and passenger on the road in order to prevent injuries and accidents, thereby assuring safety. It involves following the traffic rules and regulations that have been laid out and should be compulsorily followed.
It is essential for every youth to be aware of road safety to help curb the menace of road accidents. By knowing the basic rules, regulations, and methods to avoid accidents, the youth, who play an active role in society, can in turn spread awareness among the masses and be well-equipped themselves to handle the challenges of road safety.
24. Explain the three main categories of causes for road accidents.
Answer: The three main categories of causes for road accidents are Human factors, Infrastructure, and Mechanical factors.
Human factors cause 85% of accidents and include things like drunk driving, drowsiness, fatigue, lack of awareness of road signs, violation of rules, distracted driving, and pedestrian errors.
Infrastructure refers to poor conditions such as incorrect road engineering or dilapidated roads, which also contribute significantly to road accidents.
Mechanical factors are mechanical errors such as driving an ill-maintained vehicle or an abrupt mechanical failure, which can lead to accidents on the road.
25. What was “The Decade of Action on Road Safety 2011-2020”? What was its objective?
Answer: “The Decade of Action on Road Safety 2011-2020” was a worldwide movement declared by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2010 and launched across the globe on May 11, 2011.
The movement was initiated not only to start awareness on road safety but also to curb the loss of lives due to road mishaps. It put forward several strategies, such as enhancing emergency services, to achieve this objective.
26. Briefly describe the initiatives taken by the Government of India to promote road safety.
Answer: The Government of India has taken many initiatives to promote road safety. Since 1989, the Government has been organizing ‘Road Safety Week’ every January, devising several different strategies to promote awareness. In 2005, the Union Cabinet approved the National Road Safety Policy, based on the recommendations of the Sundar Committee, to improve road safety activities in the country. Among the policies adopted, awareness among the public has been given prime importance.
27. What are the rules for overtaking another vehicle? When is overtaking prohibited?
Answer: The primary rule for overtaking is to pass vehicles moving in the same direction from their right-hand side. If another vehicle has begun to overtake you, you must not accelerate or do anything that will cause inconvenience to the intending vehicle.
Overtaking is prohibited if it creates difficulties for vehicles coming from the opposite side, or at a road intersection or on a hillside where visibility is not clear. You should also not overtake if another vehicle is already trying to overtake you, or if you have not received a proper signal from the vehicle moving ahead of you.
28. What are the hand signals a driver should use for slowing down, stopping, and turning?
Answer: A driver should use specific hand signals to communicate with other vehicles.
- To signal slowing down, the driver should extend the right arm with the palm facing down and move it up and down several times.
- To stop, the driver should raise the right forearm vertically outside the vehicle, with the palm to the right.
- To turn right or overtake, the driver should extend the right arm in a horizontal position with the palm facing the front.
- To turn left, the driver should extend the right arm and rotate it in an anti-clockwise direction.
29. List five places where parking is prohibited and explain why it is dangerous.
Answer: Parking is prohibited in several places for safety reasons. Five such places are:
- At or near a road intersection, a bend, or the top of a hill, because it blocks the view of other drivers and increases the risk of a collision.
- On a footpath, as it forces pedestrians onto the road and into the path of traffic.
- Near a traffic light or pedestrian crossing, because it can obstruct the visibility of signals for drivers and pedestrians for others.
- On a main road or in a fast traffic lane, as it creates a sudden obstacle for fast-moving vehicles.
- Opposite another parked vehicle, as it narrows the road, obstructs the flow of traffic, and creates a hazard.
30. What are the rules regarding blowing horns? Why are multi-toned horns prohibited?
Answer: The rules state that a driver shall not blow the horn continuously, needlessly, or more than necessary. Using a horn is also forbidden in a designated ‘silent zone’.
Multi-toned horns are prohibited because they produce harsh, shrill, and loud noises, which can be a public nuisance and can startle or distract other road users, potentially leading to accidents.
31. What are the guidelines for pedestrians while walking on or crossing a road?
Answer: Pedestrians should use a zebra crossing when crossing a road. Before crossing, one should look left, then right, and then left again. It is important to use a footpath where it exists; if there is no footpath, one should walk on the extreme side of the road. Pedestrians should walk along the extreme left side of the road and use a torch at night for visibility. Small children should not be allowed on roads without a guide, and walking in large groups should be avoided as it can create problems for others.
32. Mention five important rules to follow while traveling by bus for your safety.
Answer: To ensure safety while traveling by bus, you should:
- Get in the bus one after another and get a firm hold on a secure place to avoid bodily injury.
- Hold on tightly to a secure place during the journey to protect yourself from injury caused by the abrupt use of brakes.
- Resist the driver if he drives at an excessive speed that may endanger your safety.
- Never travel on the footboard of a bus, as it is not permitted and is extremely dangerous.
- When getting out of a bus, look at the front and rear of the vehicle before you start walking away.
33. Why is wearing a helmet mandatory? How effective is it in preventing injuries?
Answer: Wearing a helmet is mandatory for both the biker and the rider under section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This is because two-wheeler riders make up a large proportion of those injured or killed on the roads, and a helmet protects from head injuries and fatalities.
A helmet is highly effective in preventing injuries. Its use can reduce fatalities by up to 40% and severe head injuries by up to 70%.
34. What are the eligibility criteria and procedures for obtaining a Learner’s Licence?
Answer: To be eligible for a Learner’s Licence, a person must be at least 18 years old. However, a person who is 16 years old is eligible to apply for a licence for a two-wheeler without gear, provided they have the consent of their parents or guardian.
The procedure requires the applicant to qualify in a preliminary test on traffic signals, road signs, and road regulations. Once the licence is granted, the learner must display a letter ‘L’ in red on a white background on both the front and rear of the vehicle during the course of learning.
35. What should a driver do in case of an accident involving injury to a person?
Answer: If a driver is involved in an accident where a person is injured, the driver must stop the vehicle immediately. They should take immediate measures to get medical treatment for the injured person, unless the injured person or their guardian desires otherwise. The driver must also inform the nearest police station about the accident as soon as possible, and in any case within 24 hours. They must also inform their insurer in writing.
36. What do the three colours of a traffic light signify? What do flashing lights indicate?
Answer: The three colours of a traffic light give specific instructions to drivers. Red means to stop before the stop line. Amber, which is a yellow-brown light, means to be alert and ready to stop. Green means to proceed, but to do so slowly and with caution.
A flashing red light means you must stop completely and then proceed only when the road is clear. A flashing amber light means you should slow down and go ahead with care.
37. Describe the three types of road signs and their general characteristics.
Answer: The three types of road signs are Mandatory, Cautionary, and Informatory signs.
Mandatory Road Signs are generally circular in shape with a red border, although some are blue. They give orders that must be followed, and violating them is an offense.
Cautionary Road Signs are triangular in shape with a red border. They are used to warn road users of hazards or dangerous conditions on the road ahead.
Informatory Road Signs are normally blue in colour. They provide information about facilities on the road, such as directions, destinations, hospitals, or petrol pumps.
38. Explain the meaning of a solid white line, a broken white line, and a lane separator.
Answer: A solid white line across the road is called a stop line. When you are signaled to stop by a traffic light or sign, you must stop your vehicle just before this line and not cross it.
White broken lines across the road at a junction mean that any motorist approaching must give preference to oncoming traffic.
Lane separators are lines on a road that separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. If you want to change lanes, you must give a proper signal before doing so.
39. What is the difference in meaning between a yellow dividing line and a yellow line at the edge of the road?
Answer: A yellow dividing line is a line in the middle of the road. It means that a vehicle overtaking another vehicle traveling in the same direction must not cross the yellow line.
A yellow line along the edge of the road is a parking restriction. It means that you are not permitted to park your vehicle at that location at any time.
40. Elaborate on the ‘4 E’s’ – Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Services – as comprehensive remedies for road safety.
Answer: To combat the various factors that cause road accidents, some remedies have been devised which can be summarized as the 4 ‘E’s: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Services.
Engineering refers to the design and construction of both roads and vehicles. Indian roads are used by pedestrians, bicycles, carts, rickshaws, and various types of motor vehicles. Therefore, roads should be constructed systematically and scientifically for the benefit of all commuters. Likewise, vehicles should be manufactured with the latest and most advanced technologies. Proper and correct engineering of roads and vehicles can ensure a lower rate of accidents.
Enforcement involves the regular and strict application of road safety rules and regulations. This has managed to bring down accident rates and can continue to do so in the future. It also gives States the scope to incorporate safety-related positive legislative changes and ensure strict enforcement of those laws.
Education is about imparting knowledge on the golden rules of the road to each and every driver and road user. This will help ensure safer roads for all travelers and vehicles.
Emergency Services are critical for responding to accidents after they occur. Well-regulated and effective emergency medical services can bring down the number of deaths due to accidents substantially by providing timely medical care to the injured.
41. List and explain at least ten rules from the “Don’t” list for drivers, such as rules for parking and blowing horns.
Answer: Drivers must follow several rules that specify what they should not do to ensure safety on the road. Here are ten such rules:
- Don’t park at or near a road intersection, a bend, the top of a hill, or a bridge. Parking is also forbidden on a footpath, near a traffic light or pedestrian crossing, and on a main road or fast traffic lane.
- Don’t park opposite a parked vehicle or alongside another parked vehicle, as this can cause an obstruction.
- Don’t park on roads or places where there is a continuous white line.
- Don’t park near a bus stop, school, or hospital entrance.
- Don’t drive on a declared ‘one-way’ street except in the specified direction.
- Don’t blow the horn continuously, needlessly, or more than necessary. It is also prohibited in designated ‘silent zones’.
- Don’t use multi-toned horns that give a harsh, shrill, and loud noise, as they are prohibited.
- Don’t carry any explosive or inflammable articles, except for the fuel or lubricants required for your own vehicle.
- Don’t change the lane without giving a proper signal on a road that is marked by lanes for the movement of traffic.
- Don’t overtake touching the yellow line where a road is divided with such a line.
42. What are the different types of road markings, including various lines and crossings? Explain their meanings for drivers.
Answer: Different types of road markings provide guidance and rules for drivers.
- A Roundabout or Rotary is an intersection with a central traffic island. A driver must always slow down, use the indicator to show where they are proceeding, and give way to other traffic on their right.
- A Zebra Crossing consists of white stripes drawn across the road. It is for pedestrians to cross the road from either side.
- A White Broken Line across the road means that any motorist approaching it is to give preference to oncoming traffic.
- A White or Stop Line is a solid white line. When signalled to stop, a driver must stop just before this line and must not cross it.
- Lane Separators are lines on a road that separate lanes for traffic moving in the same direction. A driver must give a proper signal to change lanes.
- If there is a broken line with a solid line running alongside it, a driver is allowed to overtake on the broken side only; no overtaking is allowed from the side of the solid line.
- On a two-way road, a broken line means a driver is allowed to overtake after giving a proper signal and with utmost care. A solid continuous white line on a two-way road means a driver must not overtake.
- A Yellow Dividing Line means a vehicle overtaking another vehicle of the same direction shall not cross the yellow line.
- A yellow line along the edge of the road means you are not permitted to park your vehicle there at any time.
43. Identify and explain the meaning of at least five Mandatory road signs and five Cautionary road signs.
Answer: Road signs are classified into three types, including Mandatory and Cautionary signs.
Mandatory road signs are generally circular in shape with a red border. Violation of a Mandatory Sign is an offence. Five examples are:
- Stop: This octagonal sign requires the driver to stop completely before proceeding.
- Give Way: This inverted triangular sign means the driver must give way to traffic on the major road.
- No Entry: This sign indicates that vehicles are not allowed to enter that road or area.
- Speed Limit (e.g., 50): This sign indicates the maximum speed, in this case 50 km/h, that a vehicle is allowed to travel.
- Overtaking Prohibited: This sign means that drivers are not allowed to overtake other vehicles on that stretch of road.
Cautionary road signs are indicated in a triangular shape with a red border. They warn drivers of potential hazards ahead. Five examples are:
- Right/Left Hand Curve: This sign warns the driver of a curve ahead to the right or left.
- Steep Ascend/Descend: This sign indicates that the road ahead goes steeply uphill or downhill.
- Narrow Road: This sign warns that the road ahead becomes narrower.
- Slippery Road: This sign alerts drivers that the road surface ahead may be slippery, requiring reduced speed.
- School Ahead: This sign indicates that there is a school nearby, and drivers should slow down and be cautious of children.
44. Distinguish between Human factors and Mechanical factors as causes of road accidents.
Answer: Human factors are causes of road accidents that originate from human error. 85% of accidents are caused by human factors such as drunk driving, drowsiness, fatigue, lack of awareness of road signs, violation of rules, distracted driving, and pedestrian errors.
On the other hand, Mechanical factors are causes related to the vehicle itself. Mechanical errors such as driving an ill-maintained vehicle or abrupt mechanical failure can lead to accidents on the road.
45. Distinguish between Infrastructure-related factors and Environmental factors as causes of road accidents.
Answer: Infrastructure-related factors are causes of road accidents related to the physical construction and condition of the roads. Poor infrastructure such as incorrect road engineering and the dilapidated condition of roads contribute significantly to road accidents.
Environmental factors, in contrast, are causes related to the natural surroundings and weather. Unfavourable terrain, unforeseen natural calamities, and bad weather conditions cause accidents frequently.
46. Distinguish between Engineering and Enforcement as remedies for road accidents.
Answer: Engineering as a remedy for road accidents focuses on the physical design and construction of roads and vehicles. Roads should be constructed systematically and scientifically for the benefit of all commuters. Likewise, vehicles should also be manufactured with the latest and advanced technologies. Proper and correct engineering of roads can ensure a lower rate of accidents.
Enforcement, on the other hand, focuses on the application of laws and rules. Regular and strict enforcement of road safety rules and regulations has managed to bring down accident rates. It also gives States the scope to incorporate safety-related positive legislative changes and strict enforcement thereof.
47. Distinguish between a Learner’s Licence and a Main Driving Licence.
Answer: A Learner’s Licence is granted to an applicant who qualifies in a preliminary test on traffic signals, road signs, and road regulations. During the course of learning, the learner has to display the letter ‘L’ in red on a white background on the vehicle.
A Main Driving Licence is granted after the learner gains confidence in driving. One becomes eligible to apply for the driving licence 30 days after the issue of a learner’s licence. On successful completion of the necessary test for driving, one is granted the Driving Licence.
48. Distinguish between a Driving Licence and an International Driving Permit.
Answer: A Driving Licence is a licence issued by a competent authority authorizing a person to drive a specified class of vehicle within the country. In Assam, for example, it is issued by the District Transport Officer of the Transport Department.
An International Driving Permit is granted under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for Indian Citizens to drive in foreign countries. It is valid for 1 year only.
49. Distinguish between the documents required to be carried in a Non-Transport (Personal) vehicle and a Transport (Commercial) vehicle.
Answer: The valid documents required to be carried in a Non-Transport (Personal) vehicle are:
- Registration Certificate.
- Insurance Certificate.
- Pollution under control certificate (if the vehicle is 1 year old from the date of initial registration).
- Driving licence of the class of vehicle you are driving.
The documents required to be carried in a Transport (Commercial) vehicle are:
- Fitness Certificate
- Up-to-date Road tax receipt or proof thereof
- Permit
- Conductor’s licence in case of a Bus
- Any other documents as required by permit conditions
Extra/additional Fill in the Blanks
1. Studies suggest that ______% of road accidents are caused by human factors.
Answer: 85
2. Poor infrastructure, such as incorrect road engineering, is categorized as an ______ factor in road accidents.
Answer: Infrastructure
3. The remedies to combat the factors causing road accidents can be summarized as the 4 ‘______’.
Answer: E’s
4. The United Nations General Assembly declared a worldwide movement on road safety in March ______.
Answer: 2010
5. On 11th May 2011, “The Decade of Action on Road Safety ______” was launched across the globe.
Answer: 2011-2020
6. Since ______, the Government of India has been organizing ‘Road Safety Week’ every January.
Answer: 1989
7. In 2005, the Union Cabinet approved the National Road Safety Policy based on the recommendations of the ______ Committee.
Answer: Sundar
8. According to the World Health Organisation, ______ million people die in road accidents across the world annually.
Answer: 1.25
9. According to National Crime Record Bureau statistics for India, one person dies in a road accident every ______ minutes.
Answer: 4
10. As per the rules of the road, a driver should keep the vehicle as far as possible to the ______ hand side of the road.
Answer: left
11. A driver must give way to a fire brigade vehicle or an ambulance by drawing the vehicle to the ______ side.
Answer: left
12. On hill roads and steep roads, precedence should be given to the vehicle moving ______.
Answer: uphill
13. A driver should not drive at a speed exceeding ______ kilometre per hour while passing a procession.
Answer: 25
14. While crossing a road, pedestrians should use the ______ crossing.
Answer: zebra
15. A school bus driver must have ______ years of experience driving a heavy vehicle.
Answer: 5
16. School buses must be painted with ______ colour and have the school name and contact details.
Answer: yellow
17. A school bus should be fitted with a speed governor restricting its speed to ______ kmph.
Answer: 40
18. As per section ______ of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, wearing a helmet is mandatory for both the biker and the rider.
Answer: 129
19. The use of a helmet is effective at reducing fatalities in road accidents by up to ______%.
Answer: 40
20. If a breath analysis indicates a blood alcohol level of ______ mg or more for every 100 ml of blood, the driver is liable for punishment.
Answer: 30
21. Drunken driving is a punishable offense under section ______ of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Answer: 185
22. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a vehicle must undergo a compulsory emission pollution test every ______ months.
Answer: 6
23. A seatbelt serves as a Primary ______ System by applying an opposite force on the occupant’s body.
Answer: Restraint
24. A person completing the age of ______ years is eligible to apply for a licence for a two-wheeler without gear, with parental consent.
Answer: 16
25. During the learning period, a learner has to display the letter ‘______’ in red on a white background on the vehicle.
Answer: L
26. An International Driving Permit is valid for ______ year only.
Answer: 1
27. If an accident occurs, the driver must inform the nearest police station within ______ hours.
Answer: 24
28. In a traffic light, the ______ light means “ready” or “be alert”.
Answer: amber
29. Road signs in India are classified into three types: Mandatory, Cautionary, and ______.
Answer: Informatory
30. ______ road signs are generally in a circular shape with a red border, and their violation is an offence.
Answer: Mandatory
31. Cautionary road signs, which warn drivers of potential hazards, are indicated in a ______ shape with a red border.
Answer: triangular
32. ______ road signs are normally blue in colour and provide information about facilities like hospitals or petrol pumps.
Answer: Informatory
33. At a roundabout, you must give way to other traffic on your ______.
Answer: right
34. A solid continuous white line on a two-way road means you must not ______.
Answer: overtake
