Safety during non-peak traffic hours
(O.M.Murali , Chennai,India)
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There are two types of road accidents categorised based on the time of occurrence - peak and non-peak hour accidents. More accidents with fatal cases, in reality, happen during non-peak hours. This article explores especially this aspect in detail and suggest ways to overcome this hurdle.
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Road accidents can be categorised based on the time of occurrence - peak and non-peak hour accidents.
As far as peak hour accidents are concerned, the Chennai City Traffic Police have gained more control and are comfortable in bringing them down further. On the other hand, attention is needed towards non-peak hour accidents which happen in the absence of any control mechanism like traffic signals, and traffic police.
In reality, more accidents with fatal cases happen during non-peak hours due to varied reasons like:
Driving with lack of sleep, driving with lack of driving experience ( which people attempt during non-peak hours to learn driving), absence of signals, joy of speedy and rash driving and last and the very important - absence of traffic-calming structures in black spot areas.
Unfortunately, the duration of non-peak hours extend more than 15 hours of the actual 24 hours. It is a matter of fact that having a monitoring system by means of manpower round the clock is practically impossible. Under such circumstances, two remedial measures can be considered by the traffic police.
· One way is by enforcing temporary traffic calming engineering structures (median, speed bump, curb extension, etc.) within city limits; especially at intersections and other important accident-prone areas during non-peak hours.
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· Secondly, there is a need to create long term awareness among the road-users (children to aged persons and women of all ages) to strictly obey the road rules in the absence of any control mechanisms. Outside the city limit, there is no marked difference between peak and non-peak hour vehicular movement.
But extra care from individuals makes all the difference in ensuring accident-free roads.
The most important thing to be considered during non-peak hour accident is the hit-and-run case. It is very common when there is no one to notice the dangerous impact and the accused always try to escape from the scene. Here, it is very essential to know the vulnerable accident locations and probable place where people will disobey road rules, and then such hit-and-run cases can be greatly reduced by implementing traffic calming structures. Head-on-collision can be avoided only when the medians are implemented.
Common knowledge of traffic rules are very essential which should be cultivated right from the school age. Educating the people on traffic rules alone can reduce road accidents. Children are taught road rules and safety aspects in their school curriculum. As part of exposure, students must be encouraged to participate in regulating traffic during peak hours near their schools. Such initiatives will cultivate a positive attitude in children and also make them more responsible in society. Because of the type of upbringing, men and women will have different perception when they are on the road, their time of travel, preference of places of travel, locations preferred to cross the road, and the overall adherence to traffic rules. These parameters will decide the location and severity of road accidents if less attention is paid.
The role of the media should be used rightly. Periodic documentary on aspects of road safety should be featured. In the rural areas where awareness will be the lowest, much needs to be done through TV, posters, booklets and banners. More and more articles should be published by police officials and professors on various issues relating to traffic. Such initiatives will generate awareness among the common man.
To support the traffic police to continue their task uninterrupted due to shortage of funds, IT companies/ Schools and Colleges should come forward in supporting the laying of traffic-calming structures close to their office/school/college premises and at important junctions. One way, it improves road safety and in another, it gives opportunity for private companies and education enterprises to actively involve in community development.
From the traffic police point of view, they should ensure that roads are safer for all age groups. Accordingly, many proactive measures need to be initiated by traffic police jointly in collaboration with other prospective and willing agencies. The following steps need to be initiated by traffic police:
1. Identification and monitoring of accident spots using GIS
2. Permanent removal of encroachments on arterial roads
3. Enforcing strict rules to those who violate road rules during non-peak hours
4. Assured 6 hours of sleep to long-distance travellers, particularly those engaged in travel and heavy vehicle useage
5. Implementation of traffic-calming measures to reduce head-on collision within city limits
6. Encouraging the public to join hands with traffic police to regulate traffic during peak and non-peak hours
7. Creating awareness on road safety to underprivileged people
8. To ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians during peak and non-peak hours
9. To encourage more tie-ups with prospective companies to initiate research and development on traffic management
10. using technologies like GIS and Global Positioning System (GPS)
Author : O.M.Murali (Ph.D), WTI, Chennai, India
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