it is sharing of knowledge. By Bimal Chandra Das, Rtd. AGM (Safety), Bokaro Steel Plant,/ Bokaro. Kolkata

1. HOW SAFE YOU ARE
ON ROAD
B C DAS 1

2. Traffic Lights
Amber - Caution Green - Go on
Red - To stop If your have entered Go through the
the traffic the intersection and crossing carefully.
Bring your the light turns to You can turn in the
vehicle to a amber, move on very direction of the
complete halt carefully. If you see arrow by giving
behind the stop the amber light indicator
line or cross walk. before entering the
Wait until the light crossing, stop the
turns green. vehicle behind the
stop line or cross
B C DAS walk. 2

3. How Safe You Are On Road
• Remember that you have responsibilities as well as
rights. Consideration for others as well as yourself
is the key to safety on roads.
• Be careful to children. Accidents to small children
are very frequent. You cannot blame them when
they are too young to have learnt road sence.
• You must be in possession of valid driving licence
applicable to the type of vehicle you are driving
B C DAS 3

4. How Safe You Are On Road
• Keep well to the left except when you intend
to overtake or turn right. Do not hug the
middle of the road.
• Never cut a corner when turning to the right.
• Go slow when passing animals and give them
plenty of room.
• Make sure that your direction indicatior
gives the correct signals and that it is
cancelled immediately after use.
B C DAS 4

5. How Safe You Are On Road
• Do not expect others to read your mind. Before
moving off, slowing, stopping, changing direction
or overtaking, give clear and bold signals well in
advance. Signals constitute the language of road
'Speak' it clearly for your own and other people's
safety.
B C DAS 5

6. • Do not drive down your vehicle close behind
another vehicle. Always maintain a safe distance
because VEHICLE CANNOT STOP DEAD
without covering sufficient distance.
• The chart below will show the distance covered in
the THINKING BRAKING at different speeds.
Speed MPH Thinking Distance Breaking Distance
20 (32. KMPH) 20 ft. (6.1 M) 20 ft. (6.1 M)
30 (48.3 KMPH) 30 ft. (9.1 M) 45 ft. (15.7M)
40 (64.4 KMPH). 40 ft (12.2M) 80 ft. (24.4M)
50 (80.5 KMPH) 50 ft. (15.2M) 125 ft. (38.1M)
B C DAS 6

7.  IMAGINE — a good driver - a vehicle in perfect
condition, good weather, good dry roads, broad
day light. Under these conditions a vehicle can
rarely stop in distances less than those shown in
the chart.
 On wet roads braking distances may be given
double margin.
 Heavy vehicle may need twice these dis-tances.
• Always travel at a speed which will permit you to
come to a halt, in an emergency, within the free
distance available to you.
B C DAS 7

8. • Do not park your vehicle either in no parking area
or on the road turnings.
• Do not stop at the middle of the road for either
talking or imparting instructions to other persons.
• Before opening the right door of the vehicle be
sure that no body/ or no vehi-cle may strike
against it.
• Only one pillion rider is allowed on a scooter or
motor cycle. The scooterists and motor-cyclists
and even the pillion rider should use proper safety
helmets.
B C DAS 8

9. • Do not drive in spirit of competition. The more the
haste less the safety.
• Speed limits prescribed at different areas should
be observed strictly.
• Vehicle should not be driven under influe-nce of
liquor and drugs.
• Do not drive vehicle when you are mentally and
physically unfit.
• Keep a sharp look out for traffic signs and signals
on the road sides.
B C DAS 9

10. Cross Roads (Uncontrolled)
• Always slow down when approaching a cross road.
• Be careful at cross roads. Always give proper
signals. At all road intersection give way to the
traffic on your right.
• At intersections between roads of equal
importance, stop behind the half line and give way
to traffic coming from your right
B C DAS 10

11. Cross Roads (Uncontrolled)
• If you have brought your vehicle to a halt, do not
creep forward anticipating a right of way in
advance.
• At intersection between main and minor roads,
stop and always give way to traffic on the main
road. If in doubt, stop until you are sure to go on.
• At junctions look right, then left and then right
again. Do not go until you are sure that it is safe to
do so.
B C DAS 11

12. Cross Roads (Uncontrolled)
• When turning right, signal up your inten-tion and
proceed as near as possible to the centre of the
road and complete your turn so as to arrive as
near as possible to the left hand side of the road
which you are entering.
• When turning left, signal your intention and drive
as close as possible to the left hand side of your
road and continue to keep to the left on the road
and you are entering. Do not swing out to -the
right either before or after making the turn.
B C DAS 12

13. Cross Roads
(Controlled by Policeman or Traffic lights)
• When approaching such junctions give a clear
signal of the direction you wish to go. Watch
policeman's hand signal and obey them. Move
only when positively beckoned by policeman to do
so.
• At cross roads controlled by traffic lights choose
your lane of travel in advance, and obey the
appropriate signals.
B C DAS 13

14. Cross Roads
(Controlled by Policeman or Traffic lights)
• When there is a green arrow filter signal do not
enter the filter lane unless you intend to go in the
direction shown by the arrow.
• Do not move forward even when the light is green
if it is clear that by doing so you are likely to block
the junction when the signals change.
B C DAS 14

15. Traffic Police Hand Signals
To start one To stop vehicles To stop vehicles
sided vehicles coming from approaching from
front behind
15

16. Traffic Police Hand Signals
To stop vehicles To stop vehicles To start vehicle
approaching approaching approaching from
simultaneously simultaneously from left
from front and right and left
behind
16

17. Traffic Police Hand Signals
To start vehicles
To change sign To start one sided
coming from right
vehicles
B C DAS 17

18. Traffic Police Hand Signals
To start vehicles To give VIP salute To manage vehicles on
on T-Point T-Point
B C DAS 18

19. Railway Level Crossing.
• Before crossing any railway level crossing whether
there is a gate or not 'Stop' look both side and then
proceed.
• Do not stop your vehicle on the railway line under
any circumstances Get across as quickly as you
can.
B C DAS 19

20. Reversing
• Before reversing the vehicle, look at the back and
make sure that neither any person nor any vehicle
is behind your vehicle. Blow horn while reversing
the vehicle.
• While reversing always use horn and drive slow.
Children often hide or play behind parked vehicle,
ff reversing from a parked position, ensure before
getting into vehicle that the path is clear.
B C DAS 20

21. Reversing
• Do not reverse from a side road or a garage into a
main road. If your garage opens on to a main
road, try to park by reversing your car into it so
that you enter the road driving forward.
• If your view to the rear is obstructed/ restricted
get help when reversing.
B C DAS 21

22. Over Taking
• Do not over take —
 at a pedestrian crossing.
 where the road narrows.
 near a road junction.
 near a corner or a bend.
 at or when approaching a hump-back.
 near narrow bridge.
B C DAS 22

23. Over Taking
• Never overtake unless you are sure you can do so
without danger to yourself or to any one else.
• Overtake only on the right unless the driver in
front has signaled that he is turning right.
• Never accelerate when being overtaken Always
help the overtaking vehicle to do so safely.
• Return to your appropriate position on the road as
soon as practicable after over-taking, without
cutting in sharply in front of the vehicle you have
overtaken.
B C DAS 23

24. Stopping And Parking
• Always give clear signals before stopping, or
turning to park.
• while slowing down before stopping, in addition to
signaling in advance, pull in as close to the left side
of the road as possible.
• Wherever required by law, always park in the
direction of the flow of traffic.
• Where a parking place is provided, use it even if it
is a bit farther away from your point of call.
B C DAS 24

25. Stopping And Parking
• Do not park or let your vehicle stand :
 at or near road junction, bend or comer, the
brow of a hill or a bridge parking distance
should be minimum 10 M (30 ft.)
 on a foot path.
 near a pedestrian crossing or near traffic
lights.
B C DAS 25

26. Stopping And Parking
• Do not park or let your vehicle stand :
On a main road or one carrying fast moving
traffic except in clearly demar­cated areas.
Opposite or nearly opposite another standing
vehicle on the other side of the road, or
alongside a parked vehicle or other obstruction
(in repa­ired roads)
Opposite a street island for pedestrians, or
where it will obscure a traffic sign.
B C DAS 26

27. Stopping And Parking
• Do not park or let your vehicle stand :
at or near a bus stop. Parking distance should
be minimum 10 M ( 30 ft ) from the bus stop.
at or near school and hospital entra­nce.
on the wrong side of the road.
when stopping in heavy fog or rain keep your
side lights on.
B C DAS 27

28. Stopping And Parking
• Before opening the door make sure that it will not
endanger or inconvenience anybody on the road or
foot path. Wherever possible get out from the left
hand side of the vehicle. If you must alight on the
roadside look behind before opening your door.
B C DAS 28

29. Lights
• At night drive well within the limits of your lights.
• Always light up in good in time. Lights are not
meant only for your visibility but also to warn
other road­users of your presence.
• When meeting on coming motor vehicles, cyclists,
and animal drawn vehicles, dip your head lights.
• Dip your head lights when you are driving behind
another motor vehicle.
B C DAS 29

30. Lights
• If you are dazzled by the headlights of a vehicle
approaching from opposite dire­ction slow down
or stop. The practice of trying to out­dazzle the
other driver and/or cutting across his track is
childish and most dangerous.
• In day time visibility may be poor due to mist or
heavy rains switch on your lights in order to
enable other road users to see you more easily.
B C DAS 30

31. Hints To Cyclists
• Do not ride close behind a moving vehicle on the road.
Maintain a safe distance.
• Do not ride abreast with other cyclists.
• Always go by the left side of the traffic islands wherever
provided.
• Before taking a turning ( specially right hand turn ) look at
the back and make sure that neither any vehicle nor any
cyclist is about to overtake you and then give hand signal
for turning sufficiently well in advance Take a turn after
making sure that it is safe
• Do not stop at the middle of the read crossing, at road
turning for talking to other persons.
B C DAS 31

32. Lane Discipline
• Keep within lane markings. Do not switch from
lane to lane. Move into another lane only after
giving the proper signal in advance, and after
making sure by looking into your rear­view mirror
and looking over your shoulder that it is safe to do
so.
• In traffic hold­ups do not jump the queue on
either side and never cross the central line.
B C DAS 32

33. Lane Discipline
• When there is a vehicle line along the middle of
the road observe these rules
 Never cross or straddle a continuous line.
 Do not cross or straddle a broken line except
with due care and caution.
 When a continuous line is placed parallel and
adjacent to a broken line, do not cross the
lines from the side of the continuous line.
 If necessary, you may cross both lines from
the side of the broken line with due care and
caution.
B C DAS 33

34. Safety for Pedestrians
• On all uncontrolled pedestrian crossings they have
right of way. Make it a habit to slow down and
stop, if needed to give precedence at such
crossings.
• At pedestrian crossings controlled by light signals
or by policeman do not race ahead when you get
the signals to move. Make sure that the
pedestrians have reached the other side or central
refuge safely.
• When turning at a road junction, give way to
pedestrian, who may be crossing
B C DAS 34

35. Safety for Pedestrians
• Watch for pedestrian who may suddenly come
out from behind stationary vehicles or other
obstruction. Be especially careful of this, by
slowing down near school, and bus stops.
• Use pedestrian crossing or zebra crossing
wherever provided.
• Do not walk abreast with other people on the
road.
• Always cross the road at right angles.
B C DAS 35

36. Safety for Pedestrians
• Do not stop at the middle of the road to talk to
other persons.
• Never stand on the road, at a blind comer or
anywhere where you cannot be seen by
approaching drivers.
• Never get on or off the bus while it is in motion.
B C DAS 36

37. B C DAS 37

38. B C DAS 38

39. B C DAS 39

40. Hand Signals by Drivers
I intend to slow down
I intend to stop
B C DAS 40

41. Hand Signals by Drivers
I intend to move out to the
right or changing the lane or
turn right
I intend to move in to the
left or turn left
B C DAS 41

42. Hand Signals by Drivers
Indicating the car
following you to
overtake
B C DAS 42

43. Dividing Line Vs Lane Line
A "Lane" is the space between two lines (or a
line and the kerb) painted to divide the road
into two or more lines of traffic travelling in
the same direction. A "Laned" road therefore
has at least 2 Lanes. A road without marked
lanes is an "Unlaned" road regardless of its
width. A "Multi-lane" Road is a one-way road
or a two-way road with 2 or more marked
lanes that are on the side of the dividing strip
or median strip (road divider) where the driver
is driving and for the use of vehicles
travelling in the same direction.
B C DAS 43

44. A dividing line is a road marking formed by a white/yellow line
or two parallel white/yellow lines (broken or continuous)
designed to separate the parts of a road to be used by
vehicles travelling in opposite directions.
Broken Line (or Broken Line to the left of a Continous Line)
You must keep to the left of these lines. You may cross them
to overtake or make a turn, but you must only do so if it is
safe.
B C DAS 44

45. Single Continuous Line (or Single Continous Line to the
left of a Broken Line)
You must keep to the left of these lines. You must not
cross these lines to overtake or make a U-Turn but may
cross them to enter or leave the road or to go past an
obstruction.
B C DAS 45

46. Parallel Lines
You must keep to the left and must not cross these lines, unless
you have to avoid an obstruction.
B C DAS 46

47. Avoiding an obstruction
You are permitted to cross single or double continuous lines in
order to avoid an obstruction - This does not include a slower
moving vehicle or a vehicle stopped in a line of traffic, but may
include a fallen tree, a crashed vehicle, or a car that has broken
down or is illegally parked. Before crossing the line, you must
have a clear view of the road ahead and it must be safe. You must
also be very sure that you cross safely because the onus is on you
to take the risk of danger into account.
B C DAS 47

48. Broken Lane Line:
When lanes are marked by broken lines the driver may
change lanes when it is safe to do so by indicating the
intention through proper signal.
B C DAS 48

49. Straddling:
When driving on a road marked with Lane Lines, you
must keep your vehicle entirely within a lane. It is an
offence to straddle a line. The red car in the
illustration is straddling the lane line.
B C DAS 49

50. EDGE LINES:
These are continuous lines at the edge of the carriageway and
mark the limits of the main carriageway up to which a driver can
safely venture.
Yellow Edge Lines:
You must not stop or park your vehicle in any area where a
continuous yellow edge line is applied even to pick up or set down
passengers or goods.
B C DAS 50

51. Bare roads will lead to total vehicular confusion. Markings are
painted on the road to direct, guide and regulate the road user.
Road markings include all lines patters, words and colours applied on
or attached to the road surface or kerb, for the said purpose
51

52. Traffic paints are commonly used for road markings. Other
materials such as, road studs, cat's eyes and thermoplastic strips also
find their application in road markings. These markings promote
road safety and ensure smooth flow of traffic. Sometimes, road
markings are used to supplement the message of road signs and other
devices.
52

53. White is generally used for carriageway (road) markings except those
indicating restrictions for which yellow markings are used. White or
yellow together with black are used for kerb and object marking
53

54. Centre line :
Centre line marking for a two lane road
On undivided two-way roads, the centre line separates the opposing
streams of traffic and facilitates their movements. The centre line can
be a single broken line, a single continous solid line (barrier line), a
double solid line or a combination of solid line and broken line. Single
and double solid lines, whether white or yellow, must not be crossed
or even straddled. On a road with two centre lines, of which one is
solid and the other broken, the solid line has significance only it it is
on the left side of the combination as viewed by the driver. In such a
case, the driver must be careful not to cross or straddle the centre
line.
54

55. Lane line : Lane line and broken centre
lineline.
Centre barrier lines :
Centre barrier line marking for a four lane road
Centre barrier line marking for a six lane road
55

56. Double white/yellow lines
Double Continuous lines are used where visibility is restricted in
both directions. Neither stream of traffic is allowed to cross the lines.
56

57. Combination of solid and broken lines
If the line on your side is broken, you may cross or straddle it.
Over take - but only if it is safe to do so.
If the line on your side is continious you must not cross or straddle it.
57

58. Stop Line
A stop line is a single solid transverse line painted before the
intersecting edge of the road junction/ intersection.This line indicates
where you are required to stop when directed by traffic officer,
traffic light of stop sign. Where a pedestrian crossing is provided, the
stop line is marked before the pedestrian crossing
58

59. Mandatory Signs:
These signs are used to inform road users of certain laws
and regulations to provide safety and free flow of traffic.
These include all signs which give notice of special
obligation, prohibition or restrictions with which the
road user must comply. The violation of these signs is a
legal offence. Some of the signs, which fall under this
category, are provided as follows.
B C DAS 59

60. Cautionary
Signs:
These signs are used
to warn the road users
of the existence of
certain hazardous
condition either on or
adjacent to the
roadway, so that the
motorists are cautious
and take the desired
action. Some of the
signs, which fall under
this category, are
provided as follows.
B C DAS 60

61. Informatory Signs:
These signs are used to guide road users along routes, inform them about
destination and distance, identify points of geographical and historical interest
and provide other information that will make the road travel easier, safe and
pleasant.
B C DAS 61

62. Road
markings are a
special type of
traffic signs which
are marked on the
surface of the road.
Like traffic signs
they can give
orders, warning or
information.
Sometimes they
are used with
traffic signs.
B C DAS 62

63. Road markings giving warning and information
B C DAS 63

64. Right Hair Right Reverse
Right Hand Left Hand Pin Bend
Curve Curve Bend
Steep Descent Narrow Road Wideness
Steep Ascent Road Ahead
Ahead
Narrow Bridge
64

65. RIGHT/LEFT HAND CURVE: This
sign is used where the direction of
alignment changes. The sign
forewarns the driver to reduce the
speed and proceed cautiously along
the road.
B C DAS 65

66. RIGHT/LEFT REVERSE BEND: This sign is used where
the nature of the reverse bend is not obvious to approaching
traffic and constitutes a hazard. If the first curve is to the right, a
right reverse bend shall be used. If the first curve is to the left, a
left reverse bend is used.
B C DAS 66

67. NARROW BRIDGE: This sign is erected on roads
in advance of bridges where the clear width between
the kerbs or wheel guards is less than normal width
of carriageway.
B C DAS 67

68. NARROW ROAD: This sign is normally found in
rural areas where a sudden reduction in width of
pavement causes a danger to traffic.
B C DAS 68

69. ROAD WIDENS: This sign is normally found in rural
areas where a sudden widening of road causes a
danger to traffic, such as, a two-lane road suddenly
widening to a dual carriageway.
B C DAS 69

70. B C Das
CYCLE CROSSING: This sign is erected in advance
of all uncontrolled cycle crossings.
B C DAS 70

71. SCHOOL: This sign is erected where school buildings
or grounds are adjacent to the road where the traffic
creates a hazard to children.
B C DAS 71

72. MEN AT WORK: This sign is displayed only when
men and machines are working on the road or
adjacent to it or on overhead lines or poles. This sign
is removed when the work is completed.
B C DAS 72

73. SIDE ROAD LEFT/RIGHT: This sign is displayed in advance of the side
road intersections where a large volume of entering traffic together with
restricted sight distance is likely to constitute a hazard. The driver is warned of
the existence of a junction.
B C DAS 73

74. Y-INTERSECTION: These signs are displayed on the
approach to a bifurcation of any road. This sign warns of
the existence of a junction and no other indication is
given.
B C DAS 74

75. MAJOR ROAD: These signs
are displayed in advance of
crossing with the major road,
where a sufficiently large volume
of traffic with restricted sight is
likely to cause a hazard.
B C DAS 75

76. STAGGERED INTERSECTION:
This sign is used to indicate
junctions where the distance
between two junctions is not more
than 60 meters.
B C DAS 76

77. T - INTERSECTION: This sign is displayed in advance of T-
junctions where the nature of inter-section is not obvious to
approaching traffic. This sign is used to warn the driver of the
existence of a junction.
B C DAS 77

78. ROUND ABOUT: This sign is used
where it is necessary to indicate the
approach to a roundabout.
B C DAS 78

79. START OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY: This sign is displayed when
a single carriageway ends into a dual carriageway.
B C DAS 79

80. END OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY: This sign is displayed when a
dual carriageway is ending and a single carriageway is starting.
B C DAS 80

81. REDUCED CARRIAGEWAY:
These signs caution the driver
of the reduction in the width of
the carriageway ahead. This is
displayed on undivided
carriageways when some
portion of the carriageway is
closed or reduced for repairs.
B C DAS 81

82. CROSS ROAD: This sign is displayed in advance of the cross road
where a sufficiently large volume of crossing or entering traffic with
restricted sight distance is likely to constitute a hazard.
B C DAS 82

83. TWO WAY OPERATION: This sign is used to caution the driver
of a changed pattern of traffic operation of the carriageway
expected to carry traffic in one direction only.
B C DAS 83

84. TRAFFIC DIVERSION ON DUAL CARRIAGEWAY: warns the
driver of the diversion of traffic from one carriageway to the other. It
is used on dual carriageway when one carriageway is closed.
B C DAS 84

85. FALLING ROCKS: wherever rocks are liable to fall on the road
seasonally or throughout the year. The symbol may be reversed
to show the side from which rock fall is expected
B C DAS 85

86. FERRY: This sign is used to warn the drivers about the existence
of a ferry crossing across a river.
B C Das
B C DAS 86

87. TRAFFIC SIGNALS: This sign is used to
caution the drivers of the presence of
traffic signals.
B C DAS 87

88. UNGUARDED
RAILWAY CROSSING:
This sign is used on the
approaches of level
crossings where there
are no gates or other
barriers. An advance
warning sign (with two
bars) is installed at a
distance of 200 meters
and second sign (with
one bar) is installed near
the crossing.
B C DAS 88

89. GUARDED RAILWAY CROSSING: used to warn traffic on the approaches to
guarded railway crossing. An advance warning sign (with two bars) at a
distance of 200 meters and second sign (with one bar) is installed near the
crossing
B C DAS 89

90. SPEED BREAKER: This sign
warns the drivers of the presence of
a speed breaker.
B C DAS 90

91. RUMBLE STRIP: This
sign is installed in
advance of the rumble
strips provided on the
road to control the speed
of the vehicle.
B C DAS 91

92. BARRIER: This sign is erected in advance of a gate
controlling entry into a road. A definition plate with words
"SLOW BARRIER AHEAD" or "TOLL BARRIER AHEAD" is
also displayed on the sign.
B C DAS 92

93. DANGEROUS DIP: This sign is used where a sharp dip
in the profile of the road or a causeway is likely to cause
considerable discomfort to traffic.
B C DAS 93

94. PARKING PARKING SCOOTER
THIS BOTH & MOTOR
SIDE SIDES CYCLE
NO THROUGH
ROAD: This sign is
used at the
entrance to a road
from where there
is no exit
B C DAS 94

95. B C DAS 95