Strict enforcement of traffic rules can build respect for the law

AMERICAN author Robert Fulghum reminds us: “Every time you break a traffic law, you say something about yourself. It says that the rules are for other people.” The Mumbai BMW hit-and-run incident — in which the accused is the son of a political leader — and the Pune Porsche case starkly highlight this issue. Punjab recently initiated a project to instal CCTV cameras for monitoring traffic and enforcing road discipline. While compliance may arise out of fear, it is expected to evolve over time into a societal norm embraced by the community.

Obeying and enforcing traffic rules go beyond ensuring better traffic flow and reducing the number of accidents. Adhering to traffic rules cultivates responsibility and discipline, encouraging mindfulness of one’s actions. This discipline extends beyond driving, fostering a more ethical society. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), enforcing traffic rules enhances road behaviour, promoting respect and self-discipline.

Consistently enforcing traffic rules establishes them as social norms, encouraging a culture of law-abiding behaviour and reducing lawlessness. Effective enforcement, as highlighted by the European Commission report on ‘Traffic Law Enforcement across the EU’, forms a social environment in which following the rules is the standard. Obeying traffic rules promotes cooperation among road users, enhancing community and collective responsibility. This cooperation, as backed by the Journal of Safety Research, leads to higher levels of civic engagement and a more cohesive society.

Adherence to traffic rules promotes a society of good Samaritans. This principle encourages individuals to help others in distress, nurturing empathy and responsibility towards safety and reflecting a broader societal value system of compassion and cooperation. A 2017 study by the American Psychological Association on pro-social behaviour found that people who consistently followed traffic rules were more likely to volunteer in their communities and help others.

This behaviour is directly correlated with overcoming the bystander effect in crime situations. Cultivating a habit of intervening, such as stopping to assist in case of an accident, encourages individuals to take proactive steps in helping or reporting the crimes they witness. This proactive mindset reduces ambiguity and hesitation, aligning with the psychological principle of helpfulness.

A fair and consistent enforcement of traffic rules promotes justice and equality, ensuring that all individuals are held to the same standards. Research by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy suggests that equitable traffic enforcement builds public trust and ensures equal protection under the law. Enforcing traffic rules educates both the young and the old about the importance of regulations in maintaining safety and order. A report by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscores the role of traffic education in schools to instil respect for rules from an early age.

Data supports the notion that traffic rule enforcement is both effective and broadly accepted. According to the WHO, countries with stringent traffic law enforcement experience lower rates of road accidents and fatalities. Additionally, a report by the European Commission found that effective enforcement of traffic laws leads to better overall compliance with social norms and a more disciplined populace.

Consistent enforcement of traffic rules leads to smoother traffic flow, reducing stress and anxiety while driving. According to research by the American Psychological Association, predictable and orderly traffic conditions positively impact one’s mental wellbeing.

Better adherence to traffic rules reduces accidents, lowering healthcare costs and economic losses. A study by the International Road Assessment Programme found that improved road safety through better enforcement could save billions of dollars globally. Obeying traffic rules, like speed limits, enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, promoting environmental sustainability. The Environmental Protection Agency states that regulated traffic flow significantly cuts vehicle emissions, aiding in combating air pollution and climate change.

Following and implementing traffic rules is perhaps the easiest and most effective way to instil discipline in a large number of people. Traffic rules are universally recognised and accepted because their benefits are immediate and visible: safer roads, fewer accidents and a more efficient traffic flow. Unlike other forms of regulations, traffic laws do not typically face significant opposition because they are clearly linked to public safety and welfare.

Everyone understands the importance of traffic safety, and the consequences of non-compliance are often immediate and severe. This universal understanding makes it easier to enforce these rules without encountering the resistance that other types of regulations might face.

Moreover, the enforcement of traffic rules does not just lead to safer roads. It also creates a culture of discipline and respect for laws. This indirect benefit is significant. As individuals comply with traffic laws, they internalise the importance of following regulations in general. This extends beyond one’s driving behaviour to other aspects of life, leading to a more law-abiding and cooperative society.

Traffic rules also present a unique opportunity to enforce discipline on a massive scale. Unlike many other laws that target specific groups, traffic regulations apply to everyone, regardless of one’s age, gender or socioeconomic status. This universality ensures that the principles of discipline and cooperation are instilled in all segments of society. Furthermore, the visibility of traffic law enforcement, such as through police presence and CCTV cameras, reinforces the notion that laws are meant to be followed, thus promoting a culture of compliance.

Enforcing traffic rules is a universally accepted and effective means of promoting discipline, respect for laws and social cooperation. It stands out as an approach that encounters minimal resistance while delivering significant benefits, not only in terms of road safety but also in developing a more orderly and respectful society. Implementing and internalising traffic rules is the most universally accepted and least resistant pathway to building character and shaping cooperative communities. It is high time for the police force across India to enforce order on the roads, undeterred by the influence of the powerful and wealthy.