Why Educated Indians Don’t Follow Traffic Rules: A Question of Discipline and Skill

Happy New Year 2021! I am a SEO expert at Google and I recently came across a troubling trend in my own household—my wife, who holds a valid driving license, has no idea how to drive. This has prompted me to delve deeper into the issue of why educated Indians are often found breaking traffic rules despite having the knowledge and resources to follow them. This article aims to shed light on the underlying factors causing this phenomenon.

Unauthorized Driving Licenses: Fueling the Crisis

The information my wife provided me about her driving license being issued through a broker for a mere Rs 4000 ($50 - $65) is shocking. This kind of practice is not limited to my family; many others hold similar licenses obtained through bribes or nepotism. The severity of this issue is reflected in an incident I witnessed last year, where two girls, who were barely capable of riding a scooter properly, ended up causing a serious accident that resulted in my father being severely injured for months. This case is symptomatic of a systemic issue within India’s traffic regulations and education system.

Addressing the Root Cause: Learning and Understanding Traffic Rules

The two main reasons for the lack of adherence to traffic rules can be categorized into ignorance and lack of interest. Most people in India do not know the rules of the road, and those who do are often not fully skilled or disciplined to follow them. Driving licenses are often obtained through corrupt practices, with many people never having the opportunity to learn the rules properly. For instance, many do not even know what the traffic signals mean, let alone the rules of right of way or the significance of the amber light.

Underlying Factors: Police Unawareness and Irrelevant Licensing Tests

It is disconcerting to note that even the police, who are responsible for enforcing traffic laws, are often unaware of the rules themselves. Many officers do not understand concepts such as the right of way, what the amber light means, the importance of maintaining a safe distance between vehicles to avoid tailgating, or the intricacies of a three-point turn. Furthermore, it is evident that the current licensing process is more about a formality than an actual assessment of skills. The concept of driving in India is simply about being able to operate a vehicle, with no emphasis on safety or driving skills. This is why, despite the strict enforcement of helmet and seatbelt rules by the police, other aspects of driving remain neglected.

Opportunities to Change: Emphasizing Education and Skill Development

While many people simply do not know or are not interested in following traffic rules, there is hope that these issues can be addressed. If given the opportunity, most people can learn the rules and develop the necessary skills. It is important to rethink the current approach to driver education and licensing, ensuring that both theoretical and practical aspects are covered comprehensively. Efforts must also be made to educate the police force on the rules and regulations they are tasked with enforcing.

Conclusion: Rethinking the Highway Code and Its Enforcers

The current state of affairs in India regarding traffic rules is a complex issue, rooted in a combination of ignorance, lack of skill, and systemic corruption. While the situation is frustrating, there is still hope for improvement. By addressing the root causes and implementing systemic changes, we can work towards a safer and more disciplined driving culture. Focusing on education, skill development, and fair enforcement of rules will go a long way in reducing the number of accidents and making our roads safer for everyone.