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.
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.
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
34. A solid continuous white line on a two-way road means you must not ______.
Answer: overtake
Get notes of other classes and subjects