Learning traffic rules!

KATHMANDU, Aug 29: Five year old Rishta Rana cycles when she is free. Currently studying in grade five at Shobha Bhagwati English School in Nayabazaar, Rana was previously nervous about cycling on the main road due to heavy traffic.

After attending Traffic Engineer Aashish Gajurel’s session on traffic rules with informative cartoon films, Rana is now confident that she can cycle on the main road.[break]

“I’ve just learnt about the traffic rules and that it is safe to cycle by the roadside as long as I am careful,” she says adding that she will report any breach of traffic rules if witnessed.

Gajurel’s session was attended by 10 students from Step International Girls Homes in Nayabazaar. Proprietor Rajiv Sanghaniya informed that Step International is an orphanage for girls and they all go to the same school.

12-year-old Mina Nepali is studying in class four and is among the students who attended Gajurel’s session. “We should cross the road through zebra crossing and follow the traffic lights,” she shared after the session, “Stop at red, ready in case of yellow and go at green.” She added that one must only cross roads with heavy traffic with adult supervision.

Kabita Rajbahak, a student in class five, shared that overhead bridges should be used to cross roads where the zebra crossing pathways are not available. Says she, “If we use overhead bridges or the foot path, then it is good for us. In some places, underground ways are also available.”

Kalpana Chaudhary, studying in class six, added, “While driving, one should not talk on the phone. One should also not be drinking and driving.” When talking on the phone while on the road or driving after consumption of alcoholic beverages, accidents are likely to happen. She also learnt that helmets must be worn while riding motorcycles.

Sushma Poudel who studies in class three shared that she learnt that it isn’t wise to play on the road. “We got to know about the rules. I will go back and share my learnings with my friends as well,” shared Sushma. She also said she learnt a lot while interacting with her other friends.

Every week, classes on traffic rules and their awareness are being held at different schools, said Traffic Engineer Gajurel. “Except for drivers and the traffic police, very few people know about traffic rules,” said he, “Everyone should know the rules. If the rules are taught in a younger age, then people will benefit when they grow older. Hence, we have been imparting this knowledge to school children.”

Traffic rules while driving vehicles:

• Wear a helmet while riding the motorcycle and even the bicycle

• Fasten seatbelts while driving and riding on private cars

• Don’t drive vehicles after consuming alcoholic beverages

• Make sure the sidelight is on while swerving vehicles

• Follow the rules regarding the lanes

• Only overtake from the right-hand side

• Follow the traffic signals on the road

• Park only in designated areas

Traffic rules for pedestrians

• Use the zebra crossing to cross roads

• Make use of the overhead bridges where there are no zebra crossings

• Follow the traffic light rules

• Use the footpath to walk

• Since the road is a public place, be considerate while walking

• Obey the traffic police