Implementing Yellow Box could face behavioural challenges on Indian roads

Many Indian drivers have yet to respect the traffic light rules. Hence, the psychological rule of Yellow box of traffic system is not introduced in India. What’s a Yellow Box or Yellow Junction? It’s a sign of self-discipline exercised by the motorists on the road. These junctions have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road. It symbolizes that “You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. But, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right”. This rule is deeply imbibed by many European countries, UK, parts of United States and few other countries. The sole objective is to avoid gridlock and to ensure that densely populated intersections do not grind to a halt.

Currently our traffic department has started teaching Indian motorists this art of self-discipline. First comes the desire to learn rules of an art. Fear of any penalty comes second. We can see this big proof of absence of first step towards self discipline. In July 2014, fines of 1crore were collected by traffic department. Scores of driving licenses were cancelled despite media spreading the awareness campaign of traffic department. Punitive measures announced include hike in fine amounts from three to 50 folds, increases in types of fines & fine collection modes, and cancellation of license on repeat offence or reaching particular penalty points (12 pts). As I see, these fines and measures are both physical and verbal reminders for the motorists so that they can be prepared for respecting ultimate self-discipline signage - the Yellow Box. Yellow box concept is currently not in India but can see the foundations getting laid with the strong actions of traffic department. Result- motorists started shifting from their irresponsible driving to responsible driving habits-the first step towards self-discipline. Let me uncover some behavioral patterns of motorists that if understood by traffic department personnel, can be used for increasing motorists’ self-discipline.

First, Honking habit!  Honking shows that the traffic rules were not learnt. Honking is taken as an insult for motorists in countries where yellow box is a norm. On the contrary, honking is a sign that “I am a V.I.P.”. This V.I.P. habit becomes criminal when the sound of ambulance is suppressed by surrounding honks.  Sound of Ambulance is a non-verbal command meaning “give me the way”. But the honking habit has erased this sound of life to reaching out to the ears of fellow motorists. Lives could be saved if ambulance is being granted their “right of way”. Can we stop honking?

Second, CWG Corridor success! The fast-track bus corridor during Commonwealth games (CWG) of 2010 functioned efficiently in delhi. Building upon its success, the absence of green corridors (fast-track ambulance corridor) to facilitate transportation of organs from Hospital to Airport is not a far off dream. Some cities in Chennai have shown the respect for green corridor but not other parts of India. This wrongly prioritized perception of motorists needs correction. It seems we love and respect sports more than life. I don’t see why Perception managing firms or media houses can’t be roped in to influence the current perception of motorists towards honking, and green corridors. Can we?

Third, disrespect towards zebra crossing! Zebra crossing is a one-directional form of yellow box. There is acute shortage of respect of motorists towards pedestrians using zebra crossing. Respect towards zebra crossing signage will go in long run towards multi-directional yellow box signage. Indians tend to use cars due to habit, social norms, and lack of effective public transport. This lethal combination of blindness, arrogance, and frustration in many motorists prevents them from respecting pedestrians more than the traffic rules. Can Indian motorists respect these zebra crossings?

Fourth, Great Learning habit ! Indians are good learners. Chinese pedestrians while talking on mobile phone, use a special roadside made with signage without worrying about moving vehicle or open manhole. This signage system is an extended version of zebra crossing. Chinese motorists immediately learned and absorbed this new traffic signage system. Learning efforts for selfish motive are opposite to learning efforts for societal benefit. Can Indians demonstrate their world class learning prowess on roads too while driving?

These four challenges can make the dream of yellow box a distant reality. But when I see the alertness on roads in delhi, I don’t’ see why these challenges can’t be overcome. WE SHALL OVERCOME SOME DAY!