Lines make a difference
Each time I go to ITPL, neat lines and markings painted on the roads inside that complex make me think – why not have those on all city roads as well? Friends tell me the lines wont make a difference. When we break rules with cops in sight, who do you think will observe these polite markings!? Well, I disagree. Lines can make a difference. Two examples to make my point.
1) Hope you noticed that the new Marathahalli bridge has a bright double yellow line as traffic direction separator. I have observed more than a few times that drivers are conscious of crossing it. Shiny cat-eyes on the line are a bonus – they remind you the moment you spill over. Yes, some taxis, BMTC buses do jump around, but the line constantly reminds them that they are in wrong territory and must get back. Most of the times they do.
Here is another one from the bridge during evening rush hour. I was in a cab, and was surprised to see him respect the ‘line’!
Without the lines, right at the entrance to this bridge, this is how life usually is. Not that clear markings would completely solve the problem. But there is nothing to constantly remind the drivers that they might be erring. (Note: pic was taken before the bridge opened, but the scene is similar even now)
2) Another example – parking. See how that zen and the van have their own standards here? The zen effectively choked a nice two lane road (in front of Angadi Silks, JP Nagar) into single lane annoying many drivers. Try arguing with these careless ‘parkers’, and their answer – how do I know where exactly and how to park? If there was a line on the side demarcating parking and driving zones on the road, I bet many drivers would try to observe them.
Sure, lines, markings and signage alone are not enough. Many cabbies and aggressive sorts would still break the norms. But the props at least make them feel bad while doing it, and make it easy for activists like you and me to capture evidences of their misdemeanors :)
Good one.
Has anyone ever noticed how the newly painted white lines dividing the road into 2 or 3 lanes, disappear after one or 2 weeks? I’m not quite sure what type of paint they are supposed to use for road markings but I’m sure it’s definitely not the one they’re currently using! Why can’t the authorities use something that will stay on the road for years instead of painting the same old lines with the same old paint???
Silkboard,
Very good post. I think its worth the try.Even if it can irritate the driver continiously over time – He MAY learn to respect rules.
Nisho,
The answer lies in simple corruption. The enamel paint is sold back and chunari is painted which doesnt last a wash!
Silkboard,
Yes, You are right, Lines definitely makes a difference.
Many a times myself crossed the lines earlier but after the open of half bridge with marking I din feel like crossing it, Not sure what made me to follow the rules is it other who were following the rules made me also to follow ? I din take chance to think on it but I followed the rule.
You know what would make a difference? Radar and optically operated machine guns. Step out of line and they’ll shoot. Jump a lane and they’ll shoot. Cut a red line and a missile will follow. Block the square and you’ll be vapourized.
It’s the only way it’ll work.
;)
Thanks guys.
Oh God Blr Bytes, have I run into a like minded person here. I make and sell gadgets like those, lets join forces and widen our product portfolio, shall we!?
BTW, BTRAC-2010 includes a plan to put thermoplastic markings (like these) on a lot of roads.
Pranav,
excellent post man, especially on the behavioral aspects of it.
really glad to hear about rumble strips. so are these on the median lines, how wide, how are they marked? because in the pics i see cat’s eye but no rumble strips. plus do comment on reflectivity. especially when it rains & in dark, unless these are reflecting light they become useless.
Good post Silkboard!
On the other hand have you ever wondered what could be done bout the traffic rules & jam at ‘silk board’ :p
that would be helpful for many! looking f/w for a post on the same :)
Tarle, goofed that up. I meant cat-eyes. No rumble strip. But bumping into cat eyes does part of the reminder job. Post corrected.
Thank you Janum. will try a post on future of traffic at ‘silk board’!
oh man!! here was a day that was going along well with reveries of raghu dixit & rumble strips on varthur road & you say it was a goof up. you just un-made my day. huh.
Sorry Tarle. To err is human, to realize and correct blogging :)
BTRAC-2010 is 3 years away, but I am already dreaming nicely painted roads, cat eyes, rumble strips and (I hope) painted road curbs.
Excellent post.
I am guilty of changing lanes and crossing the lines on many occasions. But with the new Marathahalli bridge opening up with the yellow double line I have started to abide by the rules and have never crossed it.
Definitely they should put these lines in all the roads.