It is laudable that the Bangalore traffic police have revamped the traffic signals to the state of the art. The new signals lights not only give a new look to the city but also good clarity to the drivers. This should reduce the burden of the number of policemen standing at the traffic junctions. This can help in manpower redistribution and effective use of the police force in the required areas to improve the safety and security of the city overall. However, this becomes effective and reaps benefits only if the citizens follow the system implicitly.

The city has an innumerable number of traffic challenges at the moment. As the number of vehicles has grown out of proportion over time the indiscipline crept in gradually and has now become insurmountable to a certain extent. But it is high time we put this in place before it goes out of hand again. Lack of a lane system, too may cross roads and crossings make the situation worse. As such roads are narrow which becomes much more relatively with more number of vehicles plying on the roads. People not respecting traffic rules is the major problem that defeats every good effort that is adopted. Particularly the two-wheelers that fly like mosquitoes in all directions endangering themselves and others on the roads. As a result, road traffic accidents continue to remain at the same level over the years despite the implementation of so many initiatives for the betterment. The crux of the problem is the mindset of the people. They should understand all the effort by the gifs for the safety of the people and should never violate as responsible people of the civic society. In other words, if they don't own it and follow it sincerely regardless of the time of the day and location of the city the chaos will persist. It is the mentality of the people, to follow the wrong trends by example, by repeating the wrongdoings of the few. Some think it is their privilege others take pride in breaking the rules setting a wrong trend for others. Unfortunately, this is propagating the system year after the year.

Primarily, I feel that we must educate the public continuously about the traffic discipline. The goal should be that the citizenry owns the system Then it becomes a durable trend and tradition. Children should be educated in schools with a clear understanding of the benefits. They can even become ambassadors at home and other places. This will at least give hope for the future. The traffic park at Cubbon Park should be utilized for practical training. The second step is to improve the driving licensing system. Everyone must pass a theoretical exam online about the system comprehensively. There can be an app for the ready reference as a reckoner. This app should help to recall important facts quickly. Every social organization and civic body must take the responsibility of passing this information and knowledge so that over time everyone in the country is educated about the discipline on the road. Finally comes the punishment and enforcement. Fining the rule breakers works to some extent but soon they are getting adopted to it. So focus should be more on stringent enforcement. Everyone must be scared to break the rules. Though there are logistic challenges this is the last option to go with. In reality, if the public realises the importance of and inculcates discipline with pride is the best system. It is not impossible to achieve. Every developed country has achieved it effectively. Not all are educated there also but when it comes to following the rules no one will compromise. This is the cultural change that needs to be brought in. It is better to start today with uncompromising vigilance so that we achieve this soon. I still consider education as an important tool that should be pursued continuously.

The media particularly electronic media including YouTube, WhatsApp, etc. can play a significant role. There should be constant reminders to the public. Along with advertisements such educational tips should be incorporated into radio and smartphones to reach the masses effectively. India continues to have the highest number of road traffic accidents. More than the quality of roads and number of vehicles the etiquette and discipline of driving have a lot to contribute to this. Unless people understand this and become self-disciplined any amount of policing will be a futile exercise. Hope people recognise this and behave accordingly and also continue to educate others so that the roads become safe and everyone can enjoy the drive.