Here are eight common myths about traffic laws in India 26th Oct 2021
The growing number of vehicles plying on the roads have notable implications on traffic congestion and highway accidents. According to statistics recorded by the Indian Road Congress, road accidents occur in India every four minutes!
Most of these incidents happen due to the drivers' incomplete knowledge and failure to follow traffic rules. Although stringent measures are taken to punish the faulty drivers, individuals continue to believe in a few myths regarding the laws that can put their and others' lives at stake.
Here are eight common myths about traffic laws in India that you should not believe.
1. There is no need to follow traffic lights at night:
People think that there is no need to follow traffic lights after a particular hour at night. But, they forget that they are not the only ones driving at night. Although some intersections display blinking amber traffic lights, it doesn't mean the high-speed crossing is allowed on those signals. These blinking traffic lights indicate you to proceed with caution without stopping.
2. You can overtake from the left:
India is a right-hand driving nation, so a driver should overtake another vehicle from the right-hand side; that’s what even our laws say.
However, there is an exception. If the driver in the front has indicated to take a right turn, you can overtake that vehicle from the left side while maintaining a distance. But, always give appropriate indications while turning and even follow the indications given by other drivers.
3. Parking anywhere you want:
Parking, as per our convenience, has always felt normal in India. Parking anywhere is okay if the road doesn't have a 'No Parking' sign. People tend to park their vehicles everywhere as long as there is no towing van insight. However, it is essential to park the cars properly to ease the traffic for everyone.
4. Reversing on a one-way street:
People find it convenient to reverse a car on a one-way street because they don't see this as an offence. In such scenarios, the logical concept of 'vehicle facing the same direction of traffic flow' is untrue and can be a significant driving hazard. It is prohibited to reverse on a one-way road, as it interrupts the ongoing traffic.
5. You don't need insurance for an old car:
Another crucial myth is that we don't require motor insurance policies for old cars. However, driving without valid insurance documents can land you in trouble. So, if you don't have one and are driving your car, buy motor insurance online to avoid distress during your driving.
6. Seat belt is not required for slow driving:
There are countless advertisements put out to emphasize the importance of seatbelts. Yet, many drivers consider that seat belts are not required for low-speed driving. They assume that seat belts are used to avoid being "caught" or "getting a ticket" rather than for safety reasons. The myth that you do not need to wear a seatbelt has put a lot of lives in danger.
7. Hands-free are allowed while driving:
The traffic law has banned using phones while driving; still, many believe that using a hands-free device is acceptable. Is attending calls more important than your life? This shouldn’t be the case, as any distractions while driving can be a potential risk.
8. Drink and drive:
According to traffic laws, the permissible limit of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in a person's blood is 30 mg per 100 ml (0.03 percent). To explain it, even one drink of 30 mg can wander your thinking, blur your vision and impair your reflexes. There is a myth that if you drive slowly after a drink, you can still handle the road. Such overconfident drivers can be moving threats to other drivers that are sober and responsible.
Remember, ignorance is not a reason for doing something unlawful on the road. While many drivers are cautious, the mishappening still occurs due to mistakes from the other side. Always have motor insurance for the financial protection of your vehicle. You can buy motor insurance online from a reputed motor insurance company for safety on the road.
Prevention is always better than cure, but not everyone is fully clued about 'safe driving'. So clear up that confusion and misinformation about traffic rules. It is time we change the common motor law myths.
Click HERE to buy a motor insurance online for your vehicle.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.