Sample study of 500 drivers in the city highlights that many motorists were unable to read signage
Traffic outside the Central railway station jammed as usual on Tuesday morning despite the bandh call by pro Tamil groups to condemn Union government's decision to attend CHOGM. - DC
Chennai: Nearly 80 per cent of motorists in the city cannot identify mandatory traffic signage when they drive, says a recent study by the Chennai based Indian Road Safety and Welfare Trust (IRSWT). A sample study of 500 drivers in the city, done in December 2013-14 highlights that many motorists were unable to read signage in English. “The worst are drivers associated with travel agencies as most of them cannot read English signboards,” said Noel A. Kanagaraj, managing trustee, IRSWT.
“Bus drivers, truck drivers, auto drivers, two-wheelers drivers and tourist cab operators were surveyed and we were shocked and surprised to know that most drivers lacked basic knowledge of traffic signs. Some of them were clueless on basic signs like no parking and road closed.” Kanagaraj pointed out that 91 percent of road accidents in Tamil Nadu as per the state crime records bureau are due to the fault of drivers.
Road signs are universal and language should not be a barrier. While issuing a licence, there have to be more stringent written and driving tests and we should follow countries like Dubai and the United States,” said former city police commissioner R. Nataraj. Recalling the road traffic scenario of Chennai during the 1980s, Mr Nataraj reiterated that Chennai was a very disciplined city back then, where motorists would mostly abide by road safety rules.
From the early 1990s, Chennai city got diversified with more people coming in from other districts and different states. With the population influx and growing number of vehicles, the concept of offensive driving has now started haunting the city, he added. The IRSWT had launched an exclusive guidebook on road signs and traffic rules last year and for this year, more awareness drives and surveys will be taken up to bring down rash driving and accidents, IRSWT manager R. Sivakumar said.
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