While the Guwahati Traffic Police occasionally conduct drives to penalise offenders, such efforts are sporadic and insufficient to curb the problem
Driving through Guwahati at night can feel like navigating a dazzling maze of confusion and chaos. The city’s roads are notorious for reckless driving habits, and at the heart of the issue is the rampant misuse of headlights and indicators. Despite clear rules under the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA), poor awareness and weak enforcement have turned this basic aspect of road safety into a glaring problem.
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The misuse of high beams is one of the most glaring issues on Guwahati’s roads. While the MVA prohibits the use of extra or unauthorised lights, including high-intensity beams, many motorists flaunt these with impunity, oblivious to the hazards they pose.
"I avoid driving at night because it’s impossible to see clearly with all these high beams in your face," said a disgruntled commuter from Beltola. "It’s like playing dodgeball with light beams."
High beams are meant to be used sparingly, typically on poorly lit or deserted roads. However, in Guwahati, they have become the default setting for many drivers, regardless of the environment. Oncoming traffic is often blinded, creating dangerous conditions that frequently result in accidents and near misses.
The Motor Vehicles Act lays out specific guidelines for headlight usage, but few drivers seem to follow them. Here’s a quick refresher:
- High Beam: Intended for use only on highways or roads with no street lighting and minimal traffic. High beams should be dipped when another vehicle approaches from the opposite direction.
- Low Beam: Ideal for city driving or well-lit areas, ensuring visibility without blinding other road users.
- Fog Lights: These are meant for use in adverse weather conditions, such as fog, rain, or heavy dust, and not for regular night driving.
Unfortunately, the lack of awareness and enforcement has resulted in a culture of indiscriminate use, leaving pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers at risk.
The misuse of indicators is another significant issue plaguing Guwahati’s roads. Indicators are crucial for communicating intentions to other road users, yet their proper use remains an enigma to many.
"Most drivers either don’t use indicators or use them incorrectly," lamented a traffic police officer stationed near Paltan Bazar. "You’ll see people indicating left and then turning right. It’s a guessing game for everyone else on the road."
Proper use of indicators, as per traffic rules, includes:
- Before Turning or Changing Lanes: Indicators should be activated well in advance to signal an upcoming manoeuvre.
- During Parking: Hazard lights should be used only when a vehicle is stationary and obstructing traffic, not while driving.
- Avoiding Confusion: Turn off indicators immediately after completing a turn to prevent misleading other drivers.
Indicators, also known as turn signals, are designed to communicate a driver’s intentions to other road users, ensuring safe and predictable movements. According to the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) and general traffic rules, here’s what each indicator action signifies:
1. Left Indicator
- Meaning: Signals the intention to turn left or shift to the left lane.
- Proper Use: Activate the left indicator before the manoeuvre to alert vehicles and pedestrians of the intended action. This is crucial in urban settings and during overtaking manoeuvres where moving left is required.
2. Right Indicator
- Meaning: Indicates the intention to turn right or move to the right lane.
- Proper Use: Turn on the right indicator well in advance, especially when navigating junctions, roundabouts, or overtaking on multi-lane roads.
3. Hazard Lights (Both Indicators Flashing)
- Meaning: Used to warn other drivers of a hazard, such as a vehicle breakdown or obstruction on the road.
- Proper Use: Hazard lights should only be used when the vehicle is stationary and poses a potential risk to others. They are not meant for use while driving in adverse weather or foggy conditions.
Rules And Guidelines For Indicators
1. Timely Activation: Indicators should be turned on at least 3-5 seconds or 30 metres before executing a manoeuvre.
2. Clear Communication: The indicator should correspond to the actual direction of movement. Using one signal and taking the opposite action is dangerous and can lead to accidents.
3. Automatic Cancellation: Ensure the indicator switches off automatically or manually turn it off once the turn or lane change is completed.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Use: Indicators should not be used for extended periods or in situations where they might mislead other road users.
Proper indicator use is a basic but vital aspect of road safety, and failing to comply with these rules can attract fines and penalties under the MVA.
In addition to misused headlights, the use of unauthorised extra lights has become increasingly common. From LED light bars to flashy strobe lights, these gadgets are not only illegal but also distract other drivers.
"Some vehicles look like mobile discos with all the extra lights," quipped a frustrated pedestrian in Zoo Road Tiniali. "It’s not only unsafe but also obnoxious."
The MVA strictly prohibits modifications that increase light intensity or disrupt traffic. However, enforcement in Guwahati remains lax, allowing this trend to flourish unchecked.
While the Guwahati Traffic Police occasionally conduct drives to penalise offenders, such efforts are sporadic and insufficient to curb the problem. Many drivers are either unaware of the rules or choose to ignore them, knowing that enforcement is inconsistent.
"Fines are imposed, but it’s not enough to deter habitual offenders," admitted an official from the traffic department. "We need more awareness campaigns and stricter penalties."
Experts believe that the root of the problem lies in a lack of awareness and education about road safety. Driving schools often fail to emphasise the importance of proper light usage, and most drivers rely on informal learning, which perpetuates bad habits.
To address this, road safety campaigns focusing on the correct use of headlights and indicators are essential. These campaigns should involve workshops, public service announcements, and community engagement to reach a wider audience.
The misuse of headlights and indicators has not only endangered lives but also led to widespread frustration among Guwahati’s residents.
"It’s not just about accidents. It’s the stress of driving in such conditions every day," said a cab driver. "You’re constantly worried about being blinded by a high beam or hit by someone who doesn’t use their indicators."
Pedestrians, too, have expressed their grievances. "Crossing the road at night is terrifying," said a college student from Maligaon. "You never know if the car approaching will see you or if it’s going to blind you with its headlights."
The solution to this problem lies in a combination of enforcement, education, and technological intervention.
1. Stricter Enforcement: Regular traffic checks and hefty fines for offenders could serve as a deterrent.
2. Education Campaigns: Awareness drives about the proper use of headlights and indicators can help instil better habits among drivers.
3. Technological Solutions: Installing automatic headlight levelling systems and mandatory training for driving licences could address some of the issues.
Guwahati’s roads have the potential to become safer and more driver-friendly, but it will require collective effort. From individual drivers practising responsible behaviour to authorities implementing stringent measures, every step counts.
For now, residents continue to struggle with the chaos, hoping for a day when their city’s roads will be illuminated by more than just blinding high beams.