RAJNI SHARMA:-
Just as everything and every institution require a set of rules, traffic also needs rules in order to remain orderly and disciplined. The question that next arises in our minds is that, what is the necessity of rules?
It is necessary to have rules everywhere in order to make the functioning smooth and efficient. If there were to be no rules then, it would be a picture of total chaos and confusion. Rules regulate the work and help it move along the desired path.
Thus, in order to have a smooth movement of traffic on the roads, the traffic rules are made by the traffic police. These rules are meant to be followed to the last word by each and every individual moving on the roads, and becoming a part of the traffic.
It is necessary to have rules for the road, but it is still more important for all of us to follow the set of rules. Once an individual is on the road, it is absolutely compulsory for him/her to follow the rules, and that also explicitly.
We have just got to follow rules because, without following them there will be absolute chaos and confusion on the road, and no one will be able to move about. This chaos would lead not only to delays in movements but would also lead to struggles and even accidents.
When, for example we are supposed to cross the road from the zebra crossing, we must make sure that we do so, for, if we cross from elsewhere, there is a chance that we meet with an accident. If we jump a red light we are putting ourselves to danger and are inviting trouble with the possibility of an accident.
Thus, rules must be followed for maintaining discipline on the roads, and above all for our own safety. It is in our own interest that, when on the road, we follow the road traffic rules to the last word. The rules are there to keep us safe, and following them is in our own interest.
When we break the rules we are inviting trouble to ourselves and doing no harm to anyone else.
Besides having more or less the same rules, over here we Indians have an instinct to break all laws and rules. That instinct is so very vivid on the Jammu and Kashmir roads. Traffic rules are stringent but, when they are not followed, what is the use.
When rules are there and are broken with impunity and no one can do anything about it, there is utter confusion. That is the exact situation in India. The roads of at least the Metros look like racing tracks, with cars and other vehicles just rushing to where – God alone knows.
There is a speed limit for different categories of vehicles but, who follows the norms?
This is the basic difference in the traffic rules and the following of them. A road for instance in Jammu looks a motley picture of confusion and chaos, and this, because everyone is making the road a racing track instead of using it as a road.