Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb.2: Road traffic accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of death and serious injuries across the country, resulting in immense loss of precious human lives and causing long-term social and economic hardship to families and society at large. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has repeatedly expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in road accidents and fatalities and has issued clear directions to all States and Union Territories for strict enforcement of traffic laws along with sustained efforts towards mass public awareness, so as to ensure safer roads for all categories of road users.
Time and again efforts have been made to sensitize the general Public about the dangerous and consequence of non-adherence of Traffic Laws by creating awareness among the road users about Motor Vehicle Laws. Transport Department, Andaman & Nicobar Administration has once again appealed to all the road users to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), ANIMVR, RRR etc. to ensure their safety and prevent loss & damage to others. Certain critical aspects of road safety, violations of which have been found to be major contributors to road accidents and fatalities are as under:
The general public is hereby informed of the following important aspects of road safety for compliance:
Pedestrians and Pedestrian Crossings
Pedestrians constitute the most vulnerable group of road users and therefore require special protection. The public is advised that pedestrians must cross roads only at designated zebra crossings and strictly obey traffic signals at all times. Jaywalking or crossing roads at undesignated locations poses serious danger to life and must be avoided. Motorists are mandatorily required to slow down near pedestrian crossings, stop when necessary, and give the right of way to pedestrians. Parking of vehicles or any form of encroachment on footpaths and pedestrian crossings is strictly prohibited, as it forces pedestrians onto carriageways and significantly increases the risk of accidents. These instructions are enforceable under Section 119 and Section 138 of the Motor Vehicles Act, Rule 11 of the CMVR, and violations attract penalties under Section 177 of the Act. Disregard for pedestrian safety often results in irreversible loss of innocent lives and shall be dealt with sternly.
Mandatory Wearing of Helmets (Two-Wheeler Riders)
As per the provisions of MV Act, wearing of protective helmets by two-wheeler riders is mandatory. Head injuries have been identified as the leading cause of death in two-wheeler accidents, and the use of a standard protective helmet has been proven to substantially reduce the severity of injuries and save lives. It is compulsory for both the rider and the pillion rider to wear BIS-certified protective helmets, which must be properly fastened to ensure effective protection. Where applicable, children riding as pillion riders must also wear helmets. Non-compliance with these provisions is a punishable offence under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act and attracts a penalty of Rs. 1,000/- along with disqualification of the driving licence for a period of three months under Section 194D of the Act. Wearing a helmet should be seen not merely as a legal requirement, but as a moral responsibility towards one’s own safety and the well-being of one’s family.
Unlawful and Wrongful Lane Driving
Wrong-side driving, unlawful lane changing, and general lane indiscipline have emerged as major causes of fatal head-on collisions and serious road accidents. All motorists are strictly instructed to drive only on the correct side of the road, follow lane markings, directional arrows, and traffic signs, and avoid sudden or unsafe lane changes. Overtaking from the wrong side (especially overtaking by the Two Wheelers from the left side of the vehicle ahead), cutting across traffic, and reckless maneuvering endanger not only the violator but also other innocent road users. Two-wheelers, cars, and heavy vehicles must adhere to designated lanes wherever such arrangements are provided. Such dangerous driving practices are punishable under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, along with relevant provisions under Sections 119 and 177 of the Act, and shall invite strict enforcement action. Wrong-lane driving puts not only the violator but also innocent road users at grave risk.
White LED Dazzling Lights, Red/Blue Strobe Lights and Unauthorized Hooters
The use of high-intensity white LED dazzling headlights, red or blue flashing or strobe lights, modified lighting systems, and unauthorized multi-tone or pressure horns has become a serious safety hazard on public roads. Such devices cause glare, confusion, panic, and temporary blindness, particularly during night driving, thereby significantly increasing the likelihood of accidents. The public is hereby informed that only manufacturer-approved headlights, fog lamps, and horns are permitted for use in vehicles. Installation or use of white LED dazzling lights, red or blue strobe lights, and unauthorized hooters in private vehicles is strictly prohibited. Emergency lights and sirens are permitted exclusively for authorized emergency vehicles as per law. These violations attract action under Section 52 and Section 190(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, Rules 104 and 106 of the CMVR, and penalties under Section 194F of the Act.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has consistently emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility of the Government, enforcement agencies, and citizens alike. While enforcement agencies will continue to take firm and consistent action against violators, meaningful and lasting improvement in road safety can only be achieved through active public cooperation and voluntary compliance with traffic laws in both letter and spirit.
All road users are therefore earnestly appealed to follow traffic rules without exception, respect fellow road users, avoid risky and aggressive behaviour on roads, and set a positive example for others, particularly children and young drivers. Transport Department, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, calls upon all citizens to join hands in building a culture of responsible road use.
All motor vehicle drivers and riders are advised to follow the motor vehicle laws as these are crucial for personal safety and legal compliance. Enforcement drives will continue and motor vehicle drivers/riders found violating the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act, Rules and Rules of Road Regulations will be penalized as per the law.