.....

A Study On The Causes & Effects Of Road Accidents Among Two Wheelers

According to the reports submitted by the states and union territories on fatal road accidents, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have the dubious distinction of having the highest recorded road-accident related mortality in the country. According to the reports submitted by the state governments and union territory administrations for the three years, the all India recorded fatalities in road accidents are: States /UTs. Maharashtra Kerala :-^V!-:i^ -fsS Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Bihar Chhatisgarh Goa Gujarat Haryana Himachal Pradesh 2005 65686 2006 67720 51025 245 6141 3244 8690

680
52508 38904 241 3688 4027 10600

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3525 30630 9321 2808 2007 72408 53866 231 3768

11164

3577

9298 2797 Jammu & Kashmir 5904 6257 5664

.....A Study On The Causes & Effects Of Road Accidents Among Two Wheelers

Karnataka Manipur Orissa Rajasthan Tripura Utter Pradesh

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D & N Haveli
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111 127 Delhi 8863 9087 9351 Pondicherry 1586

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1633 1780 429910 4392;55 The road accidents data for some developed and developing countries during 2006 and 2007 is enlisted below jNo iName of the country 1 Brazil

2 Canada
3 Switzerland 4 Germariy 5 France 6 United Klingddm 7 India 8 Japan Number of road accidents 2006 2007 1,04,863 1,12,457 1,56,904
;'. - : - - ' .

1,51,321 22,891 3,39310 85,400

23,840
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:-^::*-/^^&S 87,000

2,14,030 4,06,726 9,47,993

2,07,410 4,29,910 9,52,191

9 New Zealand 10,615 10,368 10 Singai3o'Ee\:;:'.;:^^f:':^^:';'^Vi:;'::^^-;^::':^;:'\'":;;v'v''''; 6,443 : : '^': 6,845 11 Sweden 18,365 18,029 12 Unrtedjtoe^ li63,OQO ; 19,00,000 Minister of state for shipping, road transport and highways K H Muniyappa said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today that the safety of road users was primarily the responsibility of individual state governments Analyzing the outcome of the NASS (National Sampling System) and GES data base published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that in 1997, 2million people were injured or killed in motor accidents in U.S.A. The book such as 'Accident in mountaineering 2006' by Jed William Son, Growth by accident, Death by planning, How not to kill growing Congregation' by Bob wheesel."the book of accident'" by Becklan Frtz Gold Berg. All these points to fact that motor cycle riders especially youth met with accident more than any other vehicle. Also pointed out that the nature of helmet, ignorance of traffic rules are the major causes of accidents. Uses of mobiles, Craze in high speed driving are some other causes. But some doubts may arise in my mind, are they the only reasons? No study has been done in the area of the craze, drive with speed in the road and absence of mind.
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4.1. Riding Experience. The motorcycle riders involved in accidents are essentially without training; 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduce injuries in the event of accidents. More than half of the accident-involved motorcycle riders had less than 5 months experience on the accident motorcycle, although the total street riding experience was almost 3 years. Experience is like a teacher. The experience of riding a motor vehicle is different for different people. The difference is mainly based on their age. Table 4.1 Experience in driving Riding Experience No of respondent Percentage Less than 2 year 2-5 years 5-10 years More than 1 0 years Total 39 11 36 14 100 35 11 36 14 100

On the basis of the study it has been found that 39% of the youth have an experience of riding with less than 2 years, most among them are school or college students. We know that accident rates are more in the cases of youth than others. From this we can understand the riding experience helps the rider to reduce the accident rate by providing more attention or care. Thus the riding experience and accident rate are inversely proportional to each other. Younger drivers will have faster reactions, but lack of experience appears to result in unwise decisions. If they make a mistake within a developing situation, they tend to persist in that error beyond the point where an older, more experienced driver might have introduced corrective action

4.2. Get License After Completing a Basic level Driving Test Only after completing a basic level driving test, we get the license for riding the vehicle. Person with an age of above 18 can appear for the test. Getting a driving license is not a right, but a privilege which has to be earned. Learning to drive is not enough. Go through procedures understand the rules of the road and right of way of other. Table 4.2 Get License after Completing a Basic level Driving Test Having License No of respondents Percentage

Yes No Total

87 13 100

87 13 100

As in the above table 87% respondents having the license. But 13% of them
c

don't possess driving license. From this we can understand that the people without having license have no awareness about the traffic rule. They are really a threat to both pedestrians and other riders. Ignorance in traffic rules leads to the violation of it. Youth driving the motor cycles without license are always in a hurry to get out of the sight of the traffic police. This will lead to violation of rules and it causes much trouble in the road. It will increase the accident rate also.Periodic eye testing of old aged driving license holders, immediate cancel of license of drunkard drivers / riders are essential.

4.3. Wear The Helmet. According to Kerala high court helmet is mandatory for two wheelers on riding. Fortunately use of helmet in our country gradually increases. Yet most of the people don't like to wear helmet. Studies shows that helmet can bring down the incidence of death due to motor crashes because 70% of death is due to head injury. Table 4.3 Wear Helmets Use helmet No of respondents Percentage

Yes No Total

40 60 100

40 60 100

It is very cleat that Majority of respondents are not wearing helmet. So the numbers of deaths occur due to head injuries from the motor accident is high. According to the survey, I can understand helmet has some drawbacks also. Causes back pain and falling of hair. What ever may be their arguments against the use of helmet, it is very clear that they are not aware with the seriousness about the injury and its after effects. Only experience can do nothing.

4.4. Type of Helmet I have made a separate enquiry with those who use helmet at the time of riding. The use of low quality helmet and the absence of it have the same effect. So we always choose quality products. Government should try to ensure that only good quality helmets are available in the market. Table 4.4 Type of Helmet ISI7BSI mark helmet No of respondents Percentage

Yes No Total

36 4 40

90 10 100

From this study 90% respondents use BIS/ISI mark helmet. Yet 10% haven't used a BIS/ISI mark helmet. I understand price attraction leads them to select that type of helmet. The use of low quality helmet will be destroyed in a crash and it is not suitable for the protection of head from an injury and which may also lead to death or disability. So it is very clear that those who are serious and aware with the need of helmet are really conscious about its quality also. All others use the helmet only at the time of strict checking. This tendency is not good for their life.

4.6. Difficulties to View the Side When Driving With Helmet. Some of the people argue that the use of helmet is more dangerous than not wearing it. They quote many reasons for supporting these arguments. They said it is difficult to view the side when driving with the helmet in the head. Table 4.6 Difficulties to view the side when driving with helmet. Difficulty to view the side No of respondents Percentage

Yes No Total

23 17 40

57.5 42.5 100

In this study of 40 respondents, 57.5% of them said that it is difficult to view the side. But 43% they have no difficulty. We can understand that this is based on the model of helmet. But face helmet is useful. On the basic of study, we can say that the helmet will not enable the rider to view the side.

4.7. Difficult to Hear sound From Outside When Using Helmet Our traffic is really rushed and the environment is polluted with horns and smoke. The sound pollution badly affects our health. Table 4.7 Difficult to hear sound from outside when using helmet Difficult to hear Sound No of respondents Percentage

Yes No Total

27 13 40

67.5 32.5 100

From the table it can be found that 67.5% of the riders feel difficult to hear sound from outside and 32.5% of respondents have no problem. From this we can conclude that the use of helmet will reduce the sound from outside. Thus it avoids sound pollution.

4.8. Use of Helmet Reduce Head Injury Most of the deaths, in accidents are due to the head injuries. Table 4.8 Use of Helmet Reduce Head Injury Difficult to hear Sound outside No of respondents Percentage Yes 59 59 No 41 41 Total 100 100 From the table, most of respondents believe that the use of helmet can reduce head injuries. Unfortunately out of these 100 respondents, most of them don't use helmet due to its drawbacks. Whatever they said I can understand from my study that the helmet is mandatory. It can reduce death rate due to head injuries in accidents.

4.9. Having Any Accident Which Causes an Injury It is said that accident is any unplanned event that happened accidentally. It has both direct and indirect consequences. Death or injury is the sudden consequence. Table 4.9 Having Any Accident Which Causes an Injury Accident No of respondents Percentage Yes 39 39 No 61 61 Total 100 100 Here the study shows 39% of them are the victims of road accident. But 61% are not involved in any accident. Because they are more experienced in riding and using helmet etc. which help them to avoid accident. From this we can understand that the careful driving can reduce the rate of accidents.

4.10. Helmet Is Mandatory for Pillion Traveler According to various surveys we know that uses of helmet can reduce head injury. The Government of Kerala make helmet mandatory for the riders. But the chance for accident is high to the pillion traveler. So helmet is more necessary to them. Table 4.10 Helmet Is Mandatory for Pillion Traveler Helmet Is Mandatory for No of respondents Percentage Pillion Traveler

Yes No Total

41 59 100

41 59 100

From the study majority of people are against the argument. So we can say that most of the people invite the accident because they are not ready to take precautions.

4.11. Speed Of the Vehicle Speed is the most important factor in the case of accident.70% of accidents in the cases of motorbikes are due to over speed. Unfortunately our youth consider speed as a fashion. 50 Km/hr is the maximum allowable speed of motorbikes in India. You don't gain anything more than a few minutes, so always drive slowly. Table 4.11 Speed Speed in km/hr No of respondents Percentage

Below 40 50-60 60-70 70-80 Above 80

27 41 13 12 7

27 41 13 12 7

The study shows that 27% people ride bike with a speed of 40 Km/hr and most of them are in the range 50-60 Km/hr. While 12% of them are drive with high speed that is 70-80 Km/hr. unfortunately 7% people ride with terrible speed. Last two groups belong to the youth mainly. So accident rates are very high as in the case of youth. From this I can understand speed is an important factor of accident.

4.11. Speed Of the Vehicle Speed is the most important factor in the case of accident.70% of accidents in the cases of motorbikes are due to over speed. Unfortunately our youth consider speed as a fashion. 50 Km/hr is the maximum allowable speed of motorbikes in India. You don't gain anything more than a few minutes, so always drive slowly. Table 4.11 Speed Speed in km/hr No of respondents Percentage

Below 40 50-60 60-70 70-80 Above 80

27 41 13 12 7

27 41 13 12 7

The study shows that 27% people ride bike with a speed of 40 Km/hr and most of them are in the range 50-60 Km/hr. While 12% of them are drive with high speed that is 70-80 Km/hr. unfortunately 7% people ride with terrible speed. Last two groups belong to the youth mainly. So accident rates are very high as in the case of youth. From this I can understand speed is an important factor of accident.

4_13. Aware about the Speed limitations of Bikes In Various Zom According to section 112 of Motor vehicle Act. 1988 there are some favorable speed limit in various zones such as school, hill, city etc. But majority of the youth not like to obey the speed limit. In city zone, traffic is really rushed. The competition in riding is not suited when go through these places. Failure to keep the speed limit vvill cause-accident and it's after effect is so critical. Table 4.13 Aware about the Speed limitations of Bikes in various zones Maximum Speed of Awareness Motor Cycle In Km/hr Yes No 79 Total 100 % of Yes 21 % of No 79

School Zone(25Km/hr) 21

Hill Zone (40 kni/hr)

19

81

100

19

81

City Zone(35Km/hr)

37

63

100

37

63

Others (50 krn/hr)

43

57

100

43

57

The above table is prepared to examine the awareness about the speed limit in various zones. From the table we can see that awareness of speed limit in various zones by the public and riders are very poor. This shows the ignorance of the traffic rule which causes the accident. This is a very dangerous situation existing in the highest literate state, Kerala. The majority of two wheeler drivers are really ignorant about the speed of vehicle to be followed while driving through various zones. That means we the passengers are still alive only at the mercy of the God. During the personal talk they expressed their ignorance about the use of horn. Avoid an aggressive driving behavior. Aggressive driving is the OPPOSITE of safe driving.

4.14. Defects of Road Most of road in our state is broken. Smooth riding is not possible through a broken road. The broken road invites the accidents. So we will be careful on driving through a broken road. A study of accidents registered with the police shows that the number of accidents due to this reason is around 10% of the total accidents. Even by allowing for some errors in the analysis of reasons for accidents, the figure will not exceed 20%. Permanent contracts / arrangements should be in place for maintaining all roads in good condition 24 hours a day, 365 days an year. If a gutter is repaired in time, it can save a life, Table 4.14 Defects of Road Roads are not better for No of respondents Percentage Riding

Yes Grama Panchayath Roads State Roads

c

No 16 23 39

Total 100 100 100

% of Yes 84 77 61

% of No 16 23 39

84 77 61

National Highways

Table shows great amount of people are not satisfied with the present conditions of our roads.61% respondents are not satisfied with the present situation of National high roads. They said other states have better roads, and our road is one of the reasons for accident. So the Road Transport Authorities and the Government should follow roads regulation strictly and checking should be done frequently. Footpaths and medians should be made mandatory for important roads.

4.15. Environmental Situation on Riding Environmental situations like rain, dust etc effect smooth driving. Table 4.15 Environmental Situation on Riding Bad Environmental Situation causes accident No of respondents Percentage Yes No 91 91 Total 100 100 According to this survey 91% people don't agree with the argument. Their opinion was that drivers almost give more care during bad environmental conditions like rain etc. So possibility of accident is very low.

4.16. Error of driver Error of driver is another most important reason of accident. Most of the accidents are caused by the errors of the driver like overtaking at a wrong place, turning abruptly or stopping without prior signalling, which can cause collision with the vehicle following; fast driving through villages and exceeding the speed limit; falling asleep at the wheel, overturning due to going round a curve at excessive speed, driving after taking intoxicant etc... Table 4.16 Error of driver Error of Driver No of respondents % Yes %No

Yes Overtaking at a wrong place 54

No 46

Total 100 54 46

Turning abruptly or Stopping without prior signaling f Driving while intoxicated Falling to sleep

64

36

100

64

36

53 91

47 9

100 100

53 91

47 9

From most of respondents, error of driver is the main reason for accidents.

4.17. Defects of vehicle Defects of vehicle are a major reason of occurring accidents. Breakages of tie rod of a running vehicle tyre bursting, wheel coming loose or failure of brakes etc may the reasons. Due to such occurrence, the driver loses control on the vehicle and an accident will be the result. Table 4.17 Defects of vehicle Do you Checks/maintenance No of respondents Percentage your vehicle frequently

Yes No Total

34 66 100

34 66 100

f From the study we can understand that out of 100 respondents 66 respondents have not checked the vehicle properly. So majority of riders have no awareness about the defect of the vehicle. This leads to the accident. So the proper maintenance of vehicle is necessary to save our life.

4.17. Defects of vehicle Defects of vehicle are a major reason of occurring accidents. Breakages of tie rod of a running vehicle tyre bursting, wheel coming loose or failure of brakes etc may the reasons. Due to such occurrence, the driver loses control on the vehicle and an accident will be the result. Table 4.17 Defects of vehicle Do you Checks/maintenance No of respondents Percentage your vehicle frequently

Yes No Total

34 66 100

34 66 100

f From the study we can understand that out of 100 respondents 66 respondents have not checked the vehicle properly. So majority of riders have no awareness about the defect of the vehicle. This leads to the accident. So the proper maintenance of vehicle is necessary to save our life.

4.19. Joking/Talking while Driving Most often there exist tendencies among the people to joke/talk with the pillion passenger while riding. This causes the slipping the attention of the rider. As they are travelling on motorbike, it is very difficult to the driver to hear the pillow passenger's speech. So he give some more attention by partially turning his head towards the back, it divert his attention from driving. Table 4.19 Joking/Talking while Driving Action No of respondents %of Yes % of No

Yes Jokes with pillion passenger 59

No 41

Total 100 59 41

Talk with pillion passenger

79

21

100

79

21

The question is included for analyzing presence of mind of the rider. In this study about 59% of the respondents are joking and 79% of the respondents are talking with the pillion passenger while driving. From this I can understand that joke/talk while riding causes the absence of mind of the rider and it leads to accident.

4.20. Raising the lower age limit for two wheeler license to 21 We know that in our country persons are eligible for license test who completed 18 years Old. According to my study I ask a question to different persons for the need of rising of lower age limit for two wheeler license to 21. Table 4.20 Raising the lower age limit for two wheeler license to 21 Agree with Raising the lower age limit No of respondents % of Yes % of No for two wheeler license to 2 1

Yes In Youth 7

No 61

Total 68 11.4 88.6

Others

17

15

32

53

47

On my study I can understand about 89% of youth dislike in raising the lower age limit for two wheeler license to 21 while 53% of other respondents mainly senior citizens express a positive attitude with the argument.

4.21. Driving tests for the issue of Driving license are to be made more stringent & foolproof. I know in India some of the persons who got the driving license are not eligible for it. I think in this present situation money helps to earn driving license easily. So driving tests for the issue of driving license are to be made more stringent & foolproof is mandatory. Table 4.21 Driving tests for the issue of driving license are to be made more stringent & foolproof Are you Satisfied the present No of respondents Percentage system of issuing Driving license

Yes No Total

27 73 100

27 73 100

From my study out of 100 respondents 73 respondents are unsatisfied with in the present system of issuing driving license. Issuing driving license is an important factor for the reasons of road accidents.No license should be issued to under age person. But we sees now a days, licenses are issued through Agents without even taking the driving test by R.T.O Official...So Government must take immediate action to remove corruptions in Motor Vehicle Department.

4.22. Cancellation of license Immediate suspension of license of those who are involved in the accidents, at least until they prove that they are not guilty. Cancel license of those who make serious accidents. Table 4.22 Cancellation of license Are you agreeing with Cancellation No of respondents % of % of of license who causes serious Yes No accident? Yes In Youth 3 No 65 Total 68 4 96

Others

11

21

32

34

66

from the study, most of them, especially youth are disagree with the need of Cancellation of license who causes serious accident. Yet most of them told Government should give some punishments like fine and suspensions of license to them cause serious accidents. And checking of the driving license should be made compulsory and every one must carry his/her valid driving license with them.

4.23. Pay Attention to the Road Avoid doing things on your bike like talking on the cell phone, using of walkman, searching for a radio station, eating, drinking, getting into a deep discussion with a passenger, etc. that will distruct you from the road. Table 4.23 Pay Attention to the Road Do you do follow the following actions No of respondents % of Yes while driving

% of No

Yes Use of Mobile Phones Hearing music through walkman/Mp4/Mobile 53 32

No 47 68

Total 100 100 53 32 47 68

Drinking/Eating while Driving Searching for a Radio Station

15 9

85 91

100 100

15 9

85 91

From this study about 53% of respondents use mobile phones while riding and 32% hearing music while driving. Most of them are youth. So we can understand that lack of attention is the main reason for the accidents.

4.24. Keep at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you A good distance is at least 3 seconds. Also, avoid travelling side-by-side with another vehicle. This will give you a chance to stop or avoid a potential accident. This helps us to avoid the crash if there is a sudden break or slowing the speed of the vehicle in front of us. Table 4.24 Distance between two vehicles Distance between two No of respondents out of 100 Percentage vehicles(20 yards)

True False

11 89

11 89

The above table prepared for analyzing the awareness of the respondents about the traffic rules. Here the study reveals that only 11% of respondents keep this while the majorities are ignorant about that. This clearly says that the ignorance of traffic rule leads to accident. Ignorance of laws is not an excuse, so ignorance of traffic rule is the same as that of the violation of the traffic rule. Therefore the abiding of traffic rule is important for avoiding the accident.

4.25. Use Of the Rear View Mirror and Side Awareness When Overtaking or Crossing We should be careful before overtaking and consider the vehicle, in our front and back. Using rear view mirror we can observe the vehicles. If the vehicle in front of us don't go for overtaking. Similarly we should overtake a vehicle though its right side only,. The left side overtaking is prohibited in our state. But there is a tendency among the people to overtake through the left side which causes accident. Table 4.25 Use of the Rear View Mirror and Side Awareness When Overtaking or Crossing Using rear view mirror Awareness of side kept before overtaking(Right side) Yes 89 89% True 100 100% No 11 11% False
0 0%

Total 100 100% Total 100 100% The study shows 89% of the respondents are using the rear view mirror before overtaking. So accident rate happened to them while overtaking is low. Yet some have a tendency to remove their rear mirrors from the vehicle for the new style of vehicle. It is dangerous.

4.26. Precautions before Crossing the Road Certain precautions are to be taken before crossing the road. Before crossing we should notice the vehicle on either side. We should calculate the speed of them from either side which will be passing our vehicle before our crossing and consider the single yellow line, where the crossing is prohibited. Table 4.26 Precautions before Crossing the Road Watch the vehicle on either sides No of respondents out of 100 Percentage Yes 100
100

No
0 0

prom the study 100% respondents are careful before crossing the road. The study shows that presence of mind of the rider helps him to be safe. I have doubts on this statement about my respondents. I think they have replied positively for pretending that they are well with traffic rules.

4 7.7. Zebra crossings should be provided for pedestrians for safe road crossings Zebra crossings should be provided for pedestrians for safe road crossings at apprOpriate places. Signals should be placed for road crossing in important busy places where a large number of people have to cross the road everyday. Proper marking of roads and signals are essential to reduce accident rate. Table 4.27 Zebra crossings should be provided for pedestrians for safe road crossings Use Zebra lines for crossings No of respondents out of 100 Percentage Yes
30 30

No
70 70

In, my study I found that more than 70% respondents had crossed roads without using Zebra lines. Because I can found absence of zebra lines in very rush places. It leads to accident.

4.28. Youth Try to Attract Others While Driving. Adolescence is a special period which needs consideration etc. For getting that they try to do anything. They always try to achieve the attention of others. While driving they move in Zigzag style with high speed for attracting others. Table 4.28 Youth Try to Attract Others While Driving. Try to attract No of respondents %of Yes % of No

Yes In Youth 29

No 36

Total 68 42.6 57.4

Others

31

32

97

In this study about 43% of youth try to attract. But 97% of aged respondents are against the statement. From this we can say when they try to attract others; the attention in riding is diverted. This shows the absence of mind of the rider.

4.29. Mandatory Signals The following is the result of measuring about the awareness of drivers in mandatory traffic sign. All the mandatory signs represented in a circle. The sign such as one way prohibited, speed limit, restriction ends, no parking etc are the examples of mandatory traffic sign. The violation of traffic causes serious accidents. Table 4.29 Mandatory Signals Mandatory Signs 'Yes'1 know (Out of 100 Percentage respondents). 31 Straight Prohibited or No Entry 23 One Way Sign 47 Truck Prohibited 47 23 31

4Sk
^2/ U-Turn Prohibited \*#F Speed Limit

49

49

31

31

fj^^EJ Restriction Ends

18

18

17 No Stopping or

17

Standing 19 No Parking In this study most of respondents have no awareness about mandatory signals. This shows the corruption of our motor department. 19

4. 30. Informatory Traffic Signs An informatory traffic sign gives the information about road facilities. These signs are given in blue back ground with in a square. Signs of Hospital, Public telephone, Petrol Pump, Park board etc are examples of informatory traffic signs. Table 4.30 Informatory Traffic Signs Informatory Traffic Signs 'Yes ' I know (Out of 100 respondents Percentage Advanced Direction Sign
34 34

Hospital 71 29 ...I Np Through Road 22 22 Park This Both Side 31 31 Parking Bikes 61 61 From the study it is found that most of the respondents have no idea about the Informatory traffic signs. And only a few percentages of them have awareness about that. From this we can conclude that major cause of road accident, which is the ignorance of traffic signs.

4.31. Cautionary Traffic Signs Cautionary Traffic Signs mainly use for the safety of road users. These are represented by using triangles with red boarder. Signs of narrow road ahead, School ahead, Narrow bridge ahead, Cross road, Major road ahead, Cross barriers are the examples of Cautionary traffic signs. Table 4.31 Cautionary Traffic Signs Cautionary Traffic Signs 'Yes ' I know (Out of 100 Percentage respondents mHmHmm Roundabout 21 21

Pedestrian Crossing

63

63

w Barrier Ahead

17

17

H 200 Meters

32

32

fcOl Side Road Right

31

31

*&* Falling Rocks

08

08

Right Hair Pin Bend

27

27

** Narrow Bridge

51

51

From the study it can be found that most of the respondents have no idea about the Cautionary traffic signs. And only a few percentages of them have awareness about that. From this we can conclude that major cause of road accident, which is the ignorance of traffic signs.
AO

4.32. Traffic Police Hand Signals This is the very important signals because in our state Police brings an important roles for the control of the traffic. So the riders must have a knowledge bout hand signals for avoiding collisions between vehicles. Table 4.32 Traffic Police Hand Signals
'Yes ' I know Traffic Police Hand Signals (Out of 100 respondents) Percentage

^
** To start one sided vehicles

21

21

k
** To stop vehicles coming from front

55

55

|p"" ** To stop vehicles approaching from behind

34

34

l\ stop vehicles approaching f To simultaneously from front and behind

21

21

\v'

t
To stop vehicles simultaneously from right and left
H

18
approaching

18

k1* To start vehicle approaching from left

17

17

To change sign

From this study I can understand a dangerous truth. That is most of drivers does not have the complete awareness of hand signals by the policeman. But some of them have the awareness of some type of hand signals. It causes very dangerous situation in the roads.

4.33. Notice the Flex Board or Street Shows, While riding There are many flex boards in the road which contains the caption of various advertisements and street shows such as amateur dramas, circus, magic show etc in the street. There is a chance for deviate the attention of the rider from riding. It is a dangerous situation. Table 4.34 Notice The Flex Board or Street Shows, while riding Notice The Flex Board or Street Shows No of respondents out of 100 Percentage Yes 84 84% No 16 16% The study says that 84% of respondents will notice the flex board or street shows, especially youth. Only 16% people are not caring it. From the table, I can understand that the advertisement at the road side attracts riders very effectively. They have lost their mind from riding to other for a second. It causes accident. So the removal of advertisement at least on the sides of curves will be necessary.

4.34. Lack of Mind on Riding Absence of mind leads to accident. We know that most of youth go to picnic are in an "Adipoli" mood. In this case they are riding bike with high speed and they are continuously talking with the pillion passenger. 100% of mind does not concentrate on driving. The absence of mind causes accidents. Table 4.34a Lack of Mind on Riding Do you go for Picnic?(out of 100) In a smashing Enthusiastic mood Yes 59 No 41 mood 21 13 25 Both smashing and Enthusiastic mood Mode of Enjoyment while driving

%of
c

respondents out of 59 36 22 42

Table 4.34b Have you an accident Have You an accident

Yes

No

% of respondents out of 59

% of Yes 14 45 23.7

% of No 76.3

According to my study about 36% respondents enjoy the picnic in a smashing mood and 22% of them only go to picnic with enthusiasm. But 42% of people enjoy picnic with in an enthusiastic and smashing mood. Among them about 24% people had an accident. From we can say that the absence of mind will increase the rate of accident. 4.35. Think Serious Problems While Riding While riding give our attention only to riding. Some people think any serious matters in the office or home while riding. It will reduce the attention of the rider and causes accident. Table 4.35 Think Serious Problems While Riding Think Serious Problems While Riding No of respondents out of 100 Percentage Yes
47 47

No
53 53

The study shows that 47% of the respondents worried about the serious matters while riding. Most of the accident happened to them at this time. Out of 100 respondents 53 respondents did not worry about serious matters while riding. There the accident rate is comparatively low. The absence of mind of the rider will definitely leads to accident.

Here I summarize the result of study which was conducted on the basis of objectives such as, 1. To find out whether abide of traffic rules only can reduce the accident rates. From my study, it is clear that most persons who use motorcycle are ignorant about the traffic rules. Some of them have not completed the basic level driving also. So violation of traffic rule is high in our road. Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, with the other vehicle violating the motorcycle right-of-way, and often violating traffic controls .These are important reasons for the increase in the accident rate among two-wheeler. Abiding traffic rules properly and sincerely can reduce the accident rate. 2. To find out whether the accident deaths can reducing by wearing helmets. Approximately 40% of the motorcycle riders in traffic were using safety helmets but only 20% of the accident-involved motorcycle riders were wearing helmets at the time of the accident. The most deadly injuries to the accident victims were injuries to the chest and head. So the death due to accidents' is high among them. According to various surveys, helmet can reduces rate of death in two wheelers. So wearing of helmet is mandatory while riding. It can reduce head injuries and thus the death pr disability due to head injuries can be reduced. Yet some of them argue that the continuous use of helmet causes back pain headache etc. but it is more dangerous to ride the bike continuously without helmet. 3. To find out whether accident rate can reducing by proper maintenance of vehicle and roads. Vehicle failure accounted for less than 3% of these motorcycle accidents, and most of those were single vehicle accidents where control was lost due to a puncture fiat. Fuel system leaks and spills were present in 62% of the motorcycle accidents in the post-crash phase. This represents an undue hazard for fire. Roadway defects (pavement ridges, potholes, etc.) were the accident cause in 2% of the accidents; animal involvement was 1% of the accidents. Proper maintenances of vehicle and road are necessary to reduce accident rate.

4. To find out the contribution of speed on accidents. In the cases of two wheelers most of 70% accidents are caused by over speed. In our country maximum speeds of two wheelers are limited by 50 km/hr. unfortunately most of the riders (bout90%) violated this rule at least one times. Speed craze is a fashion as in the case of youth. So speed governor is mandatory for all vehicles. This can reduce rate of accident up to an unexpected level. 5. To find out whether the experience and training have any role on accidents. The motorcycle riders involved in accidents are essentially without training; 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduce injuries in the event of accidents. More than half of the accident-involved motorcycle riders had less than 5 months experience on the accident motorcycle, although the total street riding experience was almost 3 years. Motorcycle riders with dirt bike experience are significantly underrepresented in the accident data. 6. To find out whether the other factors which cause an increase in the accident rates. The study shows that the youth engaged in other activities such as joke, talk, use mobile phone, try to attract others, smoke etc while driving. They also look at the street show, pictures, flex boards etc when riding. Some persons try to violate traffic rules deliberately. Most of them have had an accident at that time. Most of the youth are the victims of accident, when they are in a smashing mood. Weather is not a factor in 98% of motorcycle accidents Through out my study I found there are many reasons that divert the rider's attention and it causes the absence of mind. That is lack of attention to the driving task is a common factor for the motorcyclist in an accident. From this we can say that chance for accident depends up on the presence of mind of the rider. Every simple or even silly, matter will affect the attention of the rider. It is most important than any cause. The following are them. A comment of pillion passenger A sign board on the road side

 Picnic mood Using walkman/mobile phone Using cigarette Deep thinking/depressed mood Lack of smooth sleep 5.2 SUGGESTIONS ** Make a through knowledge about traffic rules. *J* License test must be done properly without any loophole of bribing *** Proper maintenance of Vehicle and roads are compulsory. ** Use of speed governor mandatory for every vehicle. * Zebra crossings should be provided for pedestrians for safe road crossings at appropriate places.
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* Proper marking of roads and signals <* Humps should be provided at all important places, accident prone areas. And Construction, size and shape of the Humps be scientific. < Make it compulsory to wear helmet while driving. J Severely punish breakers of traffic rules. < Avoid over speed and over load
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*J* Law should be modified such that the person who made the accident has to bear to a percentage of the insurance claims, depending on severity of negligence ** Don't drive when mind is not clear.

<* Avoid talking and joking while driving. *J* Ensure that the money recovered as Road Tax is folly utilized for the construction /maintenance of roads *J Rising of lower age limit for two wheeler and Heavy Vehicle license to 21 *t Road side advertisement board especially emotional must be restricted. v Avoid using mobile phone, walk man and cigarette during driving, even by the pillion passenger. *** Obey traffic rules and signals. *> Avoid an aggressive driving behavior * Periodic review of accident statistics to understand the effect of actions taken J Strict enforcement of existing traffic rules