As a resident of Bombay, I see traffic rules being violated all the time. The high volume of traffic makes it extremely difficult for the traffic police to penalize violators, creating a situation where those who follow the traffic laws are subjected to honking, unpleasant, obscene gestures, glares, etc.
As one who has travelled all over the world, mostly driving hired cars, I know from past experience that driving in a disciplined manner is faster, safer and beneficial to all. Here are some examples.
During peak hours in Tokyo, when people are returning home after a day’s work, traffic congestion is worse than that in Bombay. Yet I have seen drivers remaining calm, not cutting lanes, or honking. Hand fights are unheard of.
In most cities of Europe people do not honk and obey traffic rules. They park their cars in designated pay-and-park parking zones. Also, to reduce carbon emissions, bicycles are placed at strategic points like railway stations and bus stops for people to use free of cost or at a nominal charge. I was very impressed when I saw a man who had bumped into another vehicle at a pay-and-park area leaving his name, contact details and insurance details under the wiper blade on the windscreen of the damaged car so that the owner could get in touch with him.
In Canada, at every crossing at all times of day or night vehicles come to a complete stop to check for oncoming traffic before proceeding. I witnessed the same in Macapa, a small town in Brazil even at 2 a.m.
So why not in Bombay? The mindset of individuals is determined by the environment in which they live. If, in Bombay, a driver learning to drive sees others breaking traffic light rules (often in the presence of the traffic police) without being penalized, they would consider this as acceptable behavior.
Changing the mindset takes time. First, the individual must want to change either because of a specific experience; inspiration from others (such as trainers or mentors); fear of adverse repercussions; or to achieve a desired objective. The environment too can compel change, when there are severe penalties for violations; chances of getting caught are high; and the fine imposed has a long-term effect.
To improve things for all, a collective effort must be made to create the correct mindset.
Capt SHAHRUKH R. DEBOO
sdeboo@hotmail.com