I also thought about some solutions. Three quick-fix areas of solutions are:
1. Educate children and all drivers on traffic and road sense- in schools, colleges and driving schools. If it takes lengthening the process of getting a driving license, so be it.
2. Start with one or two traffic education weeks in all major cities. Get around 1,000-2,000 volunteers from schools/colleges/NGOs- make them work with the traffic police and stop people if they commit any offense (blow horn at a signal, change lanes, cross road badly). People thus stopped can be given an on-the-spot lesson on their violation, and requested to avoid making the same mistake in future.
3. After a few education weeks, start zero-tolerance weeks - at least 2 every month. Again, work with thousands of volunteers across the city. Empower them to fine people Rs. 100-200 for all offenses, no exceptions tolerated. Fine them for changing lanes at a signal, for blowing horns unnecessarily, for jumping signal, for slowing down or stopping in the middle of a road (to pick a passenger for eg.). Pay these volunteers a nice daily remuneration (easily financed from the fines collected).
All people fined will be given a log card, with details of their offense committed. Mandatory to keep the log card in the car. If there is an offense again, the volunteer will check the log sheet to see previous history. For repeat offenders, give them a special 'ticket' for attending a show on traffic education. Put together some simple AV facilities and force these repeat offenders to undergo a 2-3 hour documentary that explains all traffic rules, and the importance of obeying them. But first, have the entire system computerized so that there are no leaks. For worst offenders, ban them from driving for 6 months or more.
Please note that this option might require changes to the Motor Vehicle law and other relevant laws.
4. Improve road infrastructure: I have often seen cars swerve dangerously just to avoid a massive crater. At least give the public better roads. Properly marked zebras. Zebras, or underpass/overbridge at walkable distances. Footpaths and pavements. Ensure properly working signals.
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I sometimes wonder that if everyone drove sensibly and within his lane, it would take me 30-40 mins to travel from south Delhi to north Delhi (distance is 20km), instead of over an hour that it takes today. Everyone could save time, money, petrol- if only everyone drove more sensibly. |