Keshav lives in Chennai and he was going on a road trip to Mumbai with his uncle Nandan. His uncle taught him traffic rules while travelling.

Keshav: “Nandu Uncle, you are really driving well but not speeding the car. Why uncle?

Nandu Uncle: “Keshav – drivers, public and pedestrian should strictly follow traffic rules to prevent accidents. The driver must always have the following documents in their vehicle.

• Valid Driving License
• Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Valid Vehicle Insurance Policy
• Valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) Certificate

The driver should also have a good knowledge of road signals.  Besides the rules, the driver should follow are:

• Follow road signals.
• Do not drive at high speed.
• The vehicle should be driven to the left on two lane highways.
• At intersections, speed of vehicle should be reduced when the route changes.
• Do not drive intoxicated.
• Do not drive while talking on the phone.
• Driving without a driver’s license is not legal.
• Do not stretch your head out of the vehicle.
• Do not spit on the road or throw
• Always give way to ambulance.
• Use of a horn as appropriate.
• The driver should avoid overloading.
• Vehicles should not be parked in unauthorized places.

A driver is bound to follow the above and if he/she violates, he will be punished by the police.”

Keshav: “Uncle, what are the traffic rules that pedestrians should follow?”

Nandu Uncle: “Those who walk on the highway are called pedestrian. As a pedestrian, we should follow:

• Walk on the right side.
  
• Cross streets only at the traffic light.
• Walk on the yellow or white line.
• Going one after another.
• Do not spit on the
• Do not throw garbage on the road.

When travelling in public transportation like buses, we should follow:

• Getting tickets.
• Sitting in the appropriate seat without standing on the stairs.
• Getting out of the bus only after the bus comes to a full stop.
• Not getting off while driving.
• Not disturbing the driver and other passengers.
• Open and close glass doors slowly.
• Not damaging the vehicle seats.
• Avoiding seats reserved for senior citizens and pregnant women.

It is our responsibility to follow these traffic rules.”

Keshav: “Uncle Nandu, you mentioned that you will teach me the road signals and road signs?”

Nandu Uncle: “It would be better to explain them through pictures. I’ll teach you when we go home.”

Keshav: “Thank you, Uncle Nandu!”

After completing the journey, Uncle Nandu explained to Keshav about road signals and hand signals through the following photograph.

Road Signal Lights:

Road signal lights are provided to control traffic congestion, help pedestrians to cross streets safely, and avoid accidents.

• Stop the vehicle when red light is on.
• The vehicle should be ready to stop when the yellow light is
• Leave when the green light is on.

Types of traffic signs

• Traffic signs that are mandatory:

• Traffic signs that are cautionary:

• Traffic signs that provide information: