JAMMU, Jul 3: Road safety is not merely the responsibility of governments and law enforcement agencies; it is a shared responsibility of every citizen.
The increasing number of road accidents, particularly those involving young people, highlights the urgent need to educate students about traffic rules from an early age. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”
Most road accidents occur due to negligence, overspeeding, reckless driving, and failure to follow traffic regulations. Therefore, traffic rules education has become an essential part of student life.
Children and teenagers are the future drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians of the country. If they are taught road safety principles during their school years, they are more likely to become responsible road users in adulthood.
Recognizing this need, the Punjab School Education Board has incorporated traffic signs and road safety information into its curriculum and textbooks, enabling students to understand the importance of following traffic regulations from an early age.
The growing number of accidents involving minors has prompted the Punjab Government to strengthen the enforcement of traffic laws. Dangerous driving, drunken driving, drug-impaired driving, and driving without a valid licence by persons below the age of 18 have been declared serious, non-negotiable offences. These measures are intended to discourage reckless behaviour and save lives.
Under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, offences such as jumping red lights, ignoring traffic signs, driving on the wrong side of the road, overspeeding, and other forms of dangerous driving now attract stringent penalties. For a first offence, a person may face imprisonment of up to six months or a fine. Repeat offenders can face higher fines and imprisonment of up to one year, depending on the nature of the violation.
Similarly, Section 185 deals with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a major cause of fatal road accidents. Strict legal action is taken against offenders to ensure public safety.
The government has also adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards underage driving. Under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, if a minor is found driving, not only the child but also the parents or guardians and the vehicle owner can be held responsible. The law provides for a fine of ₹25,000, imprisonment of up to three years, and disqualification of the minor from obtaining a driving licence until the legally prescribed age. These provisions emphasize that parents also have an important role in preventing underage driving.
Students should be familiar with basic traffic rules that apply in their everyday lives. These include obeying traffic signs and signals, driving within the prescribed speed limits, wearing seat belts and helmets wherever applicable, avoiding the use of mobile phones while driving, never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, maintaining lane discipline, using indicators before turning or changing lanes, giving way to pedestrians at designated crossings, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, overtaking only when it is safe, using headlights when visibility is poor, carrying a valid driving licence and vehicle documents, and always respecting road signals.
Road safety is also receiving greater attention at the national level. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized the importance of stricter enforcement of traffic laws. In line with these efforts, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has constituted the National Road Safety Board to strengthen road safety across the country. The Board advises the government on road safety policies, vehicle safety standards, road design, traffic management, and the protection of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, children, and senior citizens.
Traffic rules are not merely legal obligations; they are life-saving measures. Every rule followed on the road contributes to the safety of individuals and society as a whole. By introducing comprehensive traffic education in schools and encouraging students to develop responsible road behaviour, India can significantly reduce accidents and create a culture of safety.
Educating students about traffic rules today means creating safer roads tomorrow. Responsible citizens begin with responsible students, and road safety education is an investment that protects both lives and property for generations to come.