In a thought-provoking observation, the Bombay High Court questioned why Indians strictly follow traffic rules in foreign countries but fail to maintain the same discipline on Indian roads. The remark came while deciding a road accident compensation case.
Background of the Case
The case involved a fatal accident where a man was hit by a bus while crossing the road. His family approached the Court seeking enhancement of compensation awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
While examining the matter, the Court not only addressed compensation but also highlighted broader concerns regarding road safety and public behavior.
Court’s Key Observation
The Court expressed concern over the lack of civic sense among road users in India. It noted that:
- People tend to follow traffic rules strictly when they are abroad
- However, the same individuals often ignore rules in India without justification
- There is no valid reason for such inconsistent behavior
The Court emphasized that discipline on roads is a matter of responsibility, not compulsion.
Concerns Over Road Safety
The High Court highlighted several common issues contributing to accidents:
- Pedestrians crossing roads despite traffic signals
- Motorists, especially two-wheeler riders, violating signal rules
- General disregard for basic traffic discipline
Such behavior, the Court noted, frequently leads to accidents causing death or serious injury.
Importance of Civic Sense
The Court stressed that following traffic rules is part of basic civic responsibility. It observed that:
- Rights and duties go hand in hand
- Ignoring rules endangers not only oneself but also others
- Citizens must develop self-discipline without external enforcement
The Court also pointed out that parents and elders play a crucial role, as children often imitate their behavior on roads.
Compensation Enhancement
While making these observations, the Court partly allowed the appeal and increased the compensation awarded to the victim’s family, taking into account factors like income and suffering caused by the accident.
Conclusion
This ruling goes beyond a typical accident case and serves as a reminder about the importance of road discipline in India. The Bombay High Court has urged citizens to adopt the same level of responsibility they demonstrate abroad, reinforcing that road safety begins with individual behavior.
