The time has come for cities like Pune to re-define literacy and take it beyond the scope of the alphabet to fundamental awareness on matters of the city.
The imminent lack of awareness and the indifference to several issues have led to citizens turning a blind eye to the long term concerns of the cities we live it.
Pune is plagued with more vehicles than humans and a poor public transport system to add to the woes and thus our first focus area for #LiteracyNext – A city initiative powered by Pune365
More the vehicles, greater the violators.
Interestingly, very few people Pune365 spoke to were aware of the traffic rules and regulations that are in force today. Evidently, our literacy levels are questionable when it comes to knowledge on the fundamental guidelines for road safety.
A section of the respondents however, highlighted the critical concerns with respect to traffic violations that need awareness building in the best interest of adherence.
These traffic violations are leading to an increasing number of accidents occurring with pedestrians having to get a personal injury lawyer to get compensation for their injuries. It’s not fair on the people who follow the rules of the road and still end up being affected by the people who don’t.
“With the increased number of vehicles, even the widest of roads appear small for these daredevil riders who take over the footpaths too.. Lacking any consideration for the pedestrians, they go on relentlessly and cause accidents” shared Meghana R Panday, an entrepreneur.
According to the RULES OF THE ROAD REGULATIONS, 1989, Department of Motor Vehicles, Maharashtra, “The pedestrians have the right of way at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings.
When any road is provided with footpath or cycle track especially for other traffic, except with permission of a police officer in uniform, a driver shall not drive on such footpath or track.
“Drivers take ‘U’ turns at random crossings and even where it is prohibited.
I think this is what people should be be educated about,” says Sakshi Chowdhary, a MBA graduate.
The RULES OF THE ROAD REGULATIONS, 1989 says, “No driver shall take a ‘U’ turn where ‘U’ turn is specially prohibited and on busy traffic road. If a ‘U’ turn is allowed the driver shall show signal by hand as for a right turn, watch in the rear view mirror and turn when safe to do so.”
Driver’s failure to obey traffic signs (Red light violation of yellow line, changing lane without indication, etc.) will be charged with Rs. 100 for first offence.
Rs.300 for second or subsequent offence Rs.200 or compounding fees of Rs 200 under Section 200 according to Section S. –r/w S. 177 of Motor Vehicle Act.
“Rash driving, driving in high speed at crowded places is one thing that annoys me a lot.
People think it is very cool and funny, but if an accident happens then, it might cost not one, but many lives,” points out Rajesh Kumar, an accountant.
The rule indicates that, “the driver of a motor vehicle shall, when passing or meeting a procession or a body of troops or police on the march or when passing workman engaged on road repair, drive at a speed not exceeding more than 25 kilometres an hour.”
Punishment for racing and trials of speed under section 189 of Motor Vehicle Act can be up to one month of imprisonment or Rs. 500 or both or compounding fees of Rs.2000 under Section 200.
Common Rule Violations and Penalties:
| # | Violation | Section/Rule | Maximum of Punishment | Compounding fees Under Section 200 |
| 1. | Driver’s failure to indicate prescribed signals on prescribed occasions | S. 121r/w S. 177 of M.V. Act | Term of Imprisonment And/Or Fine Rs. 100 for first offence Rs. 300 for second or Subsequent offence |
Rs. 200/- |
| 2. | Driver and pillion rider failing to wear protective head gear (Helmet) | S. 129r/w S. 177 of M.V. Act | Rs. 500/- | |
| 3. | Using mobile phone while driving a vehicle | R. 21(25) of C.M.V. Rules r/w S. 177 of M.V. Act | Rs. 200/- | |
| 4. | Carrying persons in excess of seating capacity in goods carriage | R. 21(10) of C.M.V. Rules r/w S. 177 of M.V. Act | Rs. 200/- | |
| 5. | Unauthorized alteration in vehicle (including those facilitating its operation by a different type of fuel) | S. 52r/w S. 177 of M.V. Act | Rs. 200/- | |
| 6. | Demanding excess fare by auto rickshaw/Tax | R. 21(23) of C.M.V. Rules r/w S. 177 of M.V. Act | Rs. 200/- |
~~
#All inputs displayed are for information purpose only. For any legal matter, the provision of Motor Vehicle Act & Rules made thereunder shall prevail.
#Information curated from: https://transport.maharashtra.gov.in/1035/Home
Reach her at loveleen@pune365.com or tweet @KaurKaur18
- Pune’s Interesting Midnight Food Delivery Options - July 26, 2019
- Excessive Shopping Could Signal Illness- Mental Health Experts - July 15, 2019
- Chronic Stress ? Seek Professional Help Before It Takes A Toll - July 9, 2019
