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DRIVING IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT
The way we drive, it seems that we consider it our birthright and the road belongs to us! The driver behind the wheel may be the head honcho of a large corporation or a knowledge worker, but will show complete lack of courtesy, manners and disrespect for the rules of road!
We feel proud that we got our driving license delivered to our home, without having to visit the RTO or of the fact that we paid some money to a tout who got us the license in less than 30 minutes, where it would have taken 4 hours if we followed the correct procedure. Yes, you may have saved time and the effort of passing the test, but at what cost? You compromised on principles, your and your family's safety along with the safety of fellow people on the road and set a wrong example for your kids and others.
As you read this booklet, think back on how you drive today and what improvements can be made. Even if you have been driving for the last thirty years, don't presume that your driving cannot be improved. Times have changed along with traffic, vehicles and the roads. Make your and others' drive enjoyable by courteous and safe driving practices.
LAWS AND RULES OF THE ROAD
To drive safely, you must follow many rules and laws. They tell you where and when you can drive. To follow these rules, you must know what traffic lights and signs mean. You must understand "right-of-way" laws and how to use traffic lanes. You must know where and when you can park. In absence of laws use common sense and courtesy guidelines so that you do not become a nuisance to the flow of traffic. Be smart, aware and enjoy the drive rather than endure it!
TRAFFIC CONTROL AT INTERSECTIONS
Traffic lights, signs and "right-of-way" rules tell you when to go or stop at an intersection. These are what the colors of traffic lights mean:
| Red |  | | A red signal light means "STOP". A left turn can be made against a red light after you stop and yield to pedestrians and vehicles in your path. DO NOT turn if there is a sign posted for "NO TURN ON RED", or "NO FREE LEFT". | | Red Arrow |  | | A red arrow means "STOP" until the green signal or green arrow appears. A turn may not be made against a red arrow. The red arrow, when used for left turn means that you cannot make free left turn. | | Flashing Red |  | | A flashing red signal light means exactly the same as a stop sign: namely, STOP! After stopping, proceed when safe, observing the right-of-way rules. A flashing red may also mean that the traffic police in managing the traffic at that intersection. | | Yellow |  | | A yellow signal light warns you that the red signal is about to appear. When you see the yellow light you should stop, if you can do so safely. If you can't stop, look out for the vehicles that may enter the intersection when the light changes. NEVER STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION as you will disrupt the traffic. If you are not sure that you will be able to cross the intersection before the light turns red, do not enter the intersection. | | Flashing Yellow |  | | A flashing yellow signal light warns you to be careful. Slow down and be especially alert. The traffic police may be manually directing the traffic. | | Yellow Arrow |  | | A yellow arrow means the "protected" turning time period is ending. Be prepared to obey the next signal that could be the green or red light or the red arrow. Sometimes, a red flashing arrow is used instead of a yellow arrow. | | Green |  | | A green light means "GO", but first you must let any vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians remaining in the intersection get through before you move ahead. Make the right turn only if you have enough space to complete the turn before any oncoming vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian becomes a hazard. | | Green Arrow |  | | Green arrow means "GO". Turn in the direction the arrow is pointing, but first you must yield to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian still in the intersection. The green arrow pointing right or left allows you to make a "protected" turn. This means oncoming vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians are stopped by a red light as long as the green arrow is lighted. | | Do not enter an intersection, even when the light is green, unless there is enough space to completely cross before the light turns red. Heavy traffic may cause you to block traffic and that will aggravate the traffic problem for everyone. |
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Traffic Signal Blackout
If all traffic signal lights are not working because of an electrical power failure, you must STOP at the intersection and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians will also be stopping. A blacked-out traffic signal is the same as a stop sign controlled intersection in all directions.
PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS
Many street crossings have pedestrian signals that show the sign of a walking person in green meaning "WALK" and walking person in red meaning "DON'T WALK". Pedestrian signals direct pedestrians when it is safe to cross the street.
When the "WALK" sign appears (that is the walking person is green) it is safe to start crossing. When the "DON'T WALK" sign appears (that is the walking person is red) you may not start across the street. The flashing signal means you should not begin to cross because you may not have enough time to make it to the other side before vehicles start moving across your path. If the flashing starts after you have already started to cross, you may finish crossing the street. At a crossing where there are no pedestrian signals, pedestrians must obey the red, yellow, or green signal lights.
TRAFFIC SIGNS
The shape of a sign gives you a clue about the information contained on the sign. Here are the common shapes used:
 The eight-sided red STOP sign means that you must make a full stop before entering a crosswalk or at a white "limit line". A limit line is a wide white line painted on the street. When a crosswalk or limit line is not marked, stop at the corner. Check for traffic before crossing. Wait until it is safe before going forward. On divided highways, a STOP sign for crossing or turning vehicles is often placed on the island or dividing strip. You must also stop there.
 The three-sided red YIELD sign means slow down & be ready to stop, and let traffic (including people walking or riding bikes) pass before you go ahead. Go only when it is safe.
 | or |  | A red circle with a red line through it always means NO. The words inside the circle show what | | you cannot do. The sign may be shown with or without words under it. |
Examples of Regulatory Signs
 | No U-turn |  | No Left Turn | | STOP |  | Do Not Enter / No Entry |  | No Right Turn | | |
Examples of Warning Signs
 | Crossroad |  | Two Way Traffic |  | Lane Ends |  | Slippery When Wet |  | Traffic Signal Ahead |  | Merging Traffic |  | End Divided Highway |  | Divided Highway |
RIGHT-OF-WAY RULES
Right-of-way rules help people drive safely. These rules go along with courtesy and common sense. Bicycle, moped riders, and pedestrians must follow these rules, too.
Never insist on taking the right-of-way
If another driver does not yield to you when he or she should, forget it. Let the other driver go first. You will help prevent accidents and make driving more pleasant. However, do not always insist on others going ahead of you. If another vehicle expects you to take your legal turn, you may delay traffic by stopping or slowing unnecessarily to allow another vehicle to go ahead of you.
Pedestrians
A pedestrian is a person on foot or using a conveyance propelled by human power (roller skates, skateboards, etc.) other than a bicycle. The definition of pedestrian includes persons who are disabled and use self-propelled wheelchairs, or tricycles because they are not able to move about as a pedestrian. These individuals must be given the same rights as any other pedestrian.
- Always stop for any pedestrian crossing at corners or other crosswalks. Do not pass a car from behind that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you can't see may be crossing
- Remember -just because you make eye contact with a pedestrian doesn't mean that the pedestrian will yield the right-of-way to you
Other Vehicles
- At an intersection without STOP or YIELD signs, slow down and be ready to stop. Yield to vehicles already in the intersection or just entering it. Also yield to the vehicle that arrives first or to the vehicle on your right if it reaches the intersection at the same time as your vehicle. At a "T " intersection, vehicles on the through road have the right-of-way
- On a 'roundabout' the vehicle that has entered the roundabout has the right of way. Wait for the other vehicle to cross before you enter the roundabout
- When there are STOP signs at all corners, stop first; then follow the above rules
- When you turn right, give the right-of-way to all vehicles on the same road coming from the opposite direction close enough to be dangerous. Turn only when you can see that it is safe. Look for motorcyclists and bicyclists. On divided highways, or highways with several lanes, watch out for cars coming in any lane you must cross
- Whenever you have parked off the road, before you enter the road again, you must yield to traffic
SPEED LIMITS
The "Basic Speed Law " says that you must never drive faster than is safe for the present conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Maximum Speed Limit
Driving faster than the posted speed limit or than it is safe for current conditions, on any road is dangerous and illegal. High speed increases your stopping distance. The faster you go, the less time you have to avoid a hazard or accident. The force of a 60 kmph crash isn't just twice as great as at 30 kmph, it's four times as great!
When You Drive Too Slowly
If you block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic you may be driving too slowly. Sometimes, of course, you may have to go slowly. If you are driving slower than other traffic, do not drive in the "fast" lane (right most lane). If you are in the right (or fast) lane, move to the left when another driver is close behind you and wishes to drive faster.
When you are driving a bus, towing a vehicle or a trailer, or driving a large truck, you will usually be traveling slower than other vehicles. You must drive in the left-hand lane or closer to the left of the road.
Special Speed Limits
Around children - Always drive more carefully near schools, playgrounds, and parks because children may suddenly dart into the street. You should never drive faster than 15 kmph when the school ground has no fence and children are outside
- Watch for bicycles and pedestrians near schools
- Look for stopped school buses. Be prepared for children crossing the street
Blind intersections and alleys - Blind intersections are intersections where you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing
- Trees, bushes, buildings, or parked cars at intersections can block your view of cars coming from the side
- You need to approach a "blind " intersection slowly enough (25 kmph) to be able to stop if a vehicle pulls out suddenly. However, you may drive as fast as the posted speed limit if YIELD or STOP signs on the side streets give you the right-of-way
- The speed limit in any alley (narrow street) should be observed at 25 kmph
Near railroad tracks
The speed limit is 25 kmph when you come within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. You may go faster than 25 kmph if gates, a warning signal, or a flagman controls the crossing.
Animals on or around the road
If you see animals or livestock, slow down. Obey the person in charge of the animals. If you see a stray animal in your path, slow down or stop, if it is safe to do so.
Many roads have two or more lanes going in your direction. Broken white lines separate these lanes. You must choose which lane to use. Drive in the lane that has the smoothest flow of traffic. DO NOT DRIVE ON OR OVER THE WHITE LINE. If there are three lanes on your side of the road, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. If you want to go faster, pass, or turn right, use the right lane. When you drive slowly, enter, or turn off the road, use the left lane. If only two lanes go in your direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest driving.
Don't Weave - stay in one traffic lane as much as possible. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors for vehicles that may be ready to pass you; also turn your head and CHECK BESIDE YOUR VEHICLE to see if any vehicle, such as a motorcycle, is in your blind spot and to be sure there is enough room for your vehicle in the next lane.
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