Kerala to make driving test stringent with focus on pedestrian safety, parking etiquette

Prompted by strong criticism from the High Court, the State government has decided to make the road driving test for driving licences stringent, with a specific emphasis on pedestrian safety and parking etiquette. Transport Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju has directed all the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to make stringent road driving tests with specific focus on the safety of pedestrians and parking etiquette.

Considering a petition on road safety, the Kerala High Court had recently expressed anguish over recurring accidents involving pedestrians at zebra crossings, despite repeated assurances and directives from authorities. Now, the RTOs have been directed to ensure that motor driving schools are frequently subjected to surprise checks by officers of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), while training on roads or in classrooms, to see whether the schools are training candidates in these aspects.

If the norms are not followed, the licence of the driving instructor should be cancelled immediately until he undergoes a recognised refresher training, said Mr. Nagaraju. Obstructive parking is a major cause of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians are forced to walk on roads due to the obstructive parking of vehicles. Vehicle drivers park without leaving space for pedestrians or obstructing the view of other drivers.

Obstructive parking

Obstructive parking also causes traffic jams and violates the right of way of citizens, especially senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities. Pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders are termed vulnerable road users. They have priority on all roads, said the Transport Commissioner. Autorickshaws, cars, goods vehicles, and heavy vehicles must ensure the safety and convenience of such road users at all times. They must anticipate their movements and drive on roads cautiously. Similarly, vehicles should not use horns to scare away pedestrians or cyclists, or two-wheeler riders. Horns must only be used in extreme emergencies. Frequent use of horn is punishable under law, he said.