Obeying traffic rules is obeying lay, but not observing traffic etiquette is reflecting your true character. Traffic or road etiquette and politeness is the foundation of any driving culture. In Mokokchung, it seems there is the lack of a well-defined or universally accepted set of traffic etiquette. The narrow roads and the ever increasing number of vehicles coupled with ‘uncultured’ drivers are becoming a big issue. Traffic congestion will continue to increase in the coming days.
Therefore, it is important to find ways to mitigate the problem. Apart from enforcing the established traffic rules, which ought to be enforced strictly, a set of traffic etiquette must be broadly and consistently communicated so that it is ingrained into the behavior of all drivers. It is to be noted that traffic rules, etiquette and politeness is not only important for addressing traffic congestion but also for ensuring a broad base of road safety.
Abruptly changing lanes, over speeding, bullying and aggressive driving, lack of use of indicators or turn signals, jumping the queue especially by two-wheel riders, and lack of consideration for pedestrians are some of the disturbing and unfriendly road practices in Mokokchung. Blowing horns unnecessarily is another nuisance that reflects the lack of politeness of the driver. It is important to understand why our drivers lack traffic etiquette and politeness.
Driving under time pressure where one is running late is a major cause for exhibiting such unfriendly traffic acts. Lack of education and awareness about polite behavior on the roads is another reason. There are drivers who do not even know that there is a ‘traffic etiquette’ and there are some who are aggressive by nature and resort to deliberate acts of impoliteness. And the anonymity of drivers inside of vehicles makes it easy for them to misbehave. Lack of etiquette or politeness on the road is a reflection of a general lack of politeness on the part of the drivers.
It must be understood that good manners on the road equals road safety. Driving under the influence of alcohol, for instance, is not only impolite but also poses road danger to both the driver and others. Blocking the smooth flow of traffic by obstructing the right of way of others, not using turn signals, or making turns in the middle of the road are seen every day. Parking etiquette is another major issue. It is rude and impolite to take up two spaces. We have to be mindful of others.
While driving at night in an urban or crowded area, we should never switch the headlight to high beam. This will blind the driver in front of you and can also possibly blind the driver coming from the opposite direction.
These are etiquettes that every driver should be aware of. If we need law enforcement to practice etiquette and politeness, then perhaps we should not be driving at all in the first place.