Traffic problems in Punjab

Recently, witnessed some traffic awareness march organized by Punjab traffic police of various cities along with respective school students.

Students & volunteers under police officials, marching around the roads while holding slogans on traffic awareness for the public.

That is very good initiative by state govt and traffic police about spreading awareness about the traffic rules and road safety for all.

There are so many programs or drives organized by various Govt, Private & NGOs to spread awareness over road safety.

But still problem of traffic. road accidents, congestion on roads is increasing day by day.

Are the awareness problems organized by various institutes not enough, lacking something while fully delivering to the public about road safety or some other problem.

Currently Major Traffic Challenges in Punjab

• Rising Number of Vehicles,
• Poor Road Infrastructure,
• Negligence of Traffic Rules,
• Lack of Awareness Programs,
• & drunken driving

Apart from above, there are some factors, about which people are already well aware but still ignore. Like

• Not wearing helmets or seat belts,

• Wrong side driving,

 

• Rash driving or over speeding,
• Driving within city @ high beams,
• More than 2 people on two-wheeler,
• Kids under 18 driving 2-wheelers,
• Not following traffic lights,
• Wrong parking & many times parking nearly in the middle of the road,
• & over loaded commercials vehicles etc.

We all are well aware of above basic traffic norms, but still, most of the people ignore it. So, people do not need awareness for these basic traffic norms.

Imo, the problem of adhering the traffic rules by the public is because of the gap between the traffic awareness and compliance.

To minimize the gap between traffic awareness and compliance, here are a few actionable suggestions that could be included in the article:

1. Stricter Enforcement of Traffic Rules:
   • Deploy more traffic police officers and integrate advanced technologies like Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.
   • Increase penalties for violations like over speeding, signal jumping, and not wearing helmets or seat belts.
   • Strict actions should be taken against schools where underage kids are commuting on their own vehicles.
2. Community Involvement:
   • Engage local communities in spreading awareness through workshops, roadshows and campaigns.
   • Promote volunteer traffic marshals to educate and assist on busy roads.
3. Comprehensive Driver Training:
   • Revamp driver licensing procedures to include mandatory education on traffic rules, defensive driving, and road safety ethics.
   • Organize refresher courses for existing drivers.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns:
   • Focus on storytelling and real-life accident cases to show the consequences of rule violations.
   • Use local languages and culturally resonant messages to make campaigns more impactful.
5. Use of Technology:
   • Install speed cameras and red-light enforcement cameras across major intersections.
   • Introduce mobile apps to report traffic violations and reward citizens who follow the rules.
6. Civic Education:
   • Embed traffic education in school curricula to instill the importance of compliance from a young age.
   • Encourage parents and educators to model safe road behavior.
7. Stronger Legal Framework:
   • Advocate for updated laws and stricter measures to deter habitual offenders.
   • Ensure fast-tracking of cases related to severe traffic violations.

Conclusion

Traffic awareness in Punjab is not just a responsibility of the government but a collective effort involving every citizen. By fostering a culture of road safety and adhering to traffic rules, the state can reduce accidents, save lives, and ensure safer roads for all. The time to act is now, and with coordinated efforts, Punjab can set an example for the rest of the country in traffic management and safety.

To instill a culture of traffic safety, long-term educational initiatives are vital. Schools and colleges should include traffic awareness in their curriculum, focusing on the consequences of reckless driving and the benefits of disciplined road behavior. Community-based workshops and collaborations with NGOs can further strengthen these efforts.