CHAPTER … 10

THE HIGHWAY CODE

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."

... William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

166
 10.1 General

Most people study the Code before their driving test and then forget it. That ia pity,
because this is a working book. It repays continuous study.

It deals with problems you will meet on the road, whether driving, walking or cycling.
You may say "I don't need a book to tell me what to do". But there are right and
wrong ways of dealing with hazards and emergencies and even normal situations on
the roads. If everyone always did things the right way we wouldn't have all the
accidents we do. The Code explains the right way.

The Code is not theory. It's a mine of practical, down-to-earth advice. It's a pocket
life-saver. Please do it what it says. Given here are just the outlines of the Code. For
the further input read clear fully the Code itself.

10.2 The Road User on Foot

General
 Where there is a pavement or suitable footpath, use it. Do not walk next to the
kerb with your back to the traffic. Look both ways before you step into the road.
 Where there is no suitable footpath, walk on the right-side of the road-it is safer to
face oncoming traffic. Keep as close as possible to the side of the road, and do not
walk more than two abreast. Take care at right-hand bends, and keep one behind
the other if possible.
 If you have children with you, walk between them and the traffic. Do not let them
run into the road.
 You can be more easily seen in the dark or in poor light if you were or carry
something white, or light-colored, or reflective. This is important on country roads
without footpaths.
 A group of people marching on the road should keep to the right. There should be
look-outs in front and at the back. The look-out in front should carry a white light,
and the look-out at the back should carry a red light (clearly visible to his back).

Crossing the Road

 Kerb Drill: Before you cross, stop at the kerb look right, look left, look right
again. When the road is clear, walk-across at right angles but keep looking out
traffic. Cross the road as quickly as you can, but do not run.
 Where pedestrian crossings, central islands, traffic lights, subways or footbridges
are provided, use them. If you cross the road elsewhere, make sure you can see
clearly both ways.
 Try not to cross the road between, or in-front of, parked vehicles, because drivers
on the road may not be able to see you. If you have to cross near parked vehicles,
stop at their outside edge and does your kerb drill.
 Before crossing a one-way street, do your kerb drill and make sure you know
which way the traffic is moving.
 Where there is an island in the road cross first to the island and wait there until the
second half of the road is clear. Then finish crossing.

167
 At night, cross the road near a lighted street lamp if there is no convenient
pedestrian crossing or traffic signal.
 Do not cross the road where there are guard rails, except through the gaps, do not
walk outside the guard rail.

Zebra Crossing
 You have no priority at a zebra crossing until you have stepped on it, but, when
you do, traffic must give way to you. Always allow vehicles plenty of time to
slow down or stop before you start to cross, especially if the road is wet or icy.
 Although drivers must give way to you once you are on the crossing, look right
and left as you cross--even if one driver has given way, another might not have
seen you, or might try to overtake.
 If there is island in the middle of the Zebra crossing, use each half of the road as a
separate crossing.
 If you cross at a road junction look out for traffic to your right at the corner; and at
the middle to your left for the on-coming traffic (if single carriageway road).

Crossings-Controlled By Traffic Lights

 When you cross at traffic lights watch the traffic as well as the lights. Be careful
about traffic turning the corner.

Single-Controlled Crossings
 At push-button controlled crossings, press the button and wait for your signal to
cross. When you get the signal, cross with care and watch for approaching traffic.
 At some of the crossings with the green man symbol, the green man will flash for
a short time before changing to the red man, i.e. "wait" signal. Do not start to
cross if the green man is already flashing.

Crossings Controlled By Police or Traffic Wardens

 Do not cross the road when a police or traffic warden controlling the traffic is
allowing traffic to move, or has signaled you to stop.

Getting On or Off A Bus

 Do not get on or off a bus unless it is standing at a recognized bus stop. If you
want to get on a bus at a request stop, give a clear signal for the bus to stop, and
do not try to get on until it has done so. When you get off a bus and want to cross
the road, wait until the bus has moved off, and you have a clear view of the road.

10.3 The Road User on Wheels

 Keep your vehicle in good condition. Pay particular attention to lights, brakes,
steering, tyres and direction indicators. Keep windscreens and windows clean and
clear.
 Fit seat belts in your car and make sure they are always used, even on short trips.
 When on a motor cycle, scooter or mopeds, always wear a safety helmet.

Signs

168
 Know your traffic signs and act on them always.

Signals
 Give signals if they would help or warn other road users. Always give the correct
signal; give it clearly, and give it in good time. Always be sure that your direction
indicator is cancelled after a maneuver.
 Watch out for other drivers' signals and act on them promptly.

Moving Off
 Before moving off, always look around, as well as using your mirror. Signal
before moving out; then move off when you can do so safely and without making
other road users change speed or direction.

Driving Along
 Keep to the left, except when you intend to overtake, or turn right, or when you
have to pass stationary vehicles or pedestrians in the road. Allow others to
overtake you if they want to.
 Use your mirror often, so that you always know what is behind you.
 Well before you overtake, or turn left, or right, or slow down, or stop, use your
mirror (motor cyclists should always glance behind, even if they have mirror
fitted) and then signal. Remember the routine.

Mirror-Signal-Maneuver
 Driving for long distances may make you feel sleepy. To help to prevent this,
make sure there is plenty of fresh air in your vehicle, or stop in a lay-by and walk
around.
 Never break the speed limits for the road or for your vehicle. Remember the speed
limits which may vary from highway to highway (due to their condition).
 Never drive so fast that you cannot stop well within the distance you can see to be
clear. Go much more slowly if the road is wet or icy, or if there is fog.
 Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up
safely if it slows down or stops suddenly. The safe rule is never to get closer than
the overall stopping distance shown below. But on the open road, in good
conditions, a gap of 3 ft (1m approx.) for each m.p.h. of your speed may be
enough. On wet or icy roads the gap should be much more. Drop back if any
overtaking vehicle fills the gap in front of you.

SHORTEST STOPPING DISTANCES-IN FEET

Overall On a dry road, a good car with good
Thinking Breaking
m.p.h stopping breaks and tyres and an alert driver,
distances distances
distances will stop in the distances shown.
20 20 20 40 Remember these are shortest stopping
30 30 45 75 distances. Stopping distances increase
greatly with wet and slippery roads,
40 40 80 120 poor breaks and tyres, and tired
50 50 125 175 drivers.
60 60 180 240
70 70 245 315

169
 Give way to ambulances, fire engines or police vehicles when blue lights are
flashing, and their bells or two-tone horns are sirens are sounding.
 Where there is an island in the road, pass on the left of it unless signs or road
markings show otherwise.

The Safety of Pedestrian

 Drive carefully and slowly when pedestrians are about, particularly in crowded
shopping streets, when you see a bus stopped, or near a parked mobile shop.
Watch out for pedestrians coming from behind parked or stopped vehicles, or
from other places where you might not be able to see them.
 Three out of four pedestrians killed or seriously injured are either under 15 or over
60. The young and the elderly may not judge speeds very well, and may step into
the road when you do not expect them. Give them, and inform, or blind, or
disabled people, plenty of time to cross the road.
 Drive slowly near schools, and look out for children getting on or off school
buses. Stop when signaled to do so by a school crossing patrol showing a stop-
children sign.
 Be careful near a parked ice-cream or other cart with eatable material, etc. The
students are more interested in those than the traffic on the road.
 When coming to zebra crossing, be ready to slow down or stop to let people cross.
You must give way once they have stepped on to a crossing. Signal to other
drivers that you mean to slow down or stop. Give yourself more time to slow
down or stop on wet and icy roads.
 Never overtake just before a zebra crossing.
 At pedestrian crossings controlled by lights, or by a police officer or traffic
warden, give way to pedestrians who are still crossing when the signal is given for
vehicles to move.
 A flashing amber signal will follow the red stop signal at some pedestrian
crossing. When the amber light is flashing give way to any pedestrians on the
crossing but otherwise you can proceed.
 When turning at a road junction, give way to pedestrians who are crossing.
 Be careful when there are pedestrians, processions, or other marching groups, in
the road, particularly where there is no footpath. Give them plenty of room. Be
especially careful on a left-hand bend and keep your speed down.

Animals
 Go slowly when driving past animals. Give them plenty of room and be ready to
stop if necessary. Do not frighten the animals by sounding your horn or revving
your engine. Watch out for animals being led on your side of the road, and be
especially careful at a left-hand bend.

10.4 Lines and Lanes

 White lines on the road guide, warn, or give orders.

 A single broken line, with long markings and gaps, in the middle of the road is a
hazard warning line. Do not cross it unless you can see that the road well ahead is
clear.

170
 Do not cross double unbroken white lines in the middle of the road, except when
you need to get in or out of premises, or a single road, or when you are ordered to
cross the lines of a police warden, or when you have to avoid an obstruction.
 Where there are double white lines in the middle of the road and the line nearer to
you is broken, you may cross it to overtake if you can do safely, and before
reaching an unbroken white line on your side. A broken line does not mean that it
is safe to overtake.
 Areas of white diagonal stripes painted on the road are to separate oncoming
traffic or to protect traffic turning right. Do not drive on these areas if you can
avoid doing so.
 Keep between the traffic lane markings-the short broken white lines which divide
the road into lanes. Keep in the left-hand lane unless you are going to overtake, or
turn right, or pass parked vehicles.
 Do not wander unnecessarily from lane to lane. If it is safe to move over, signal
before doing so. Make sure you will not force another driver to swerve or slow
down.
 When coming to junctions, obey any lane indication arrows marked on the road.
 In a traffic hold-up, do not try to "jump the queue" by cutting into another lane, or
by overtaking the vehicles waiting in front of you.
 On a three-lane single carriageway, use the middle lane only for overtaking and
turning right. Remember that you have no more right to use the middle lane than a
driver coming in the opposite direction.
 On three-lane dual carriageway you may stay in the middle lane where there are
slower vehicles in the inside (left-hand) lane, but you should return to the inside
lane when you have passed them. The outside (right-hand) lane is for overtaking
only. If you see it, make back into the middle lane and then into the inside lane as
soon as you can, but without cutting it.
 In one-way streets, choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Never
change lanes suddenly. Unless road markings indicate otherwise, choose the left-
hand lane when going to the left and the right-hand lane when going to the left
and the right-hand lane when going to the right; choose any lane when going
straight on. Remember--other vehicles could be passing on both sides.
 Some roads (often called single track roads) are only wide enough for one line of
vehicles at a time. They have special passing places. When you see a vehicle
coming towards you, or the driver behind you wants to overtake, you should stop
at a passing place. Give way to vehicles coming up-hill whenever possible.

10.5 Overtaking

 Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe for yourself and other road users.
Before you start to overtake make sure that the road is clear far enough ahead and
behind. Use your mirror and, if you are on a motor cycle, look behind. Signal
before you start to move out. Be particularly careful at dusk, and in fog or mist,
when it is more difficult to judge speed and distance.

Remember-Mirror-Signal-Maneuver

171
 On fast roads, vehicles may be coming up behind much more quickly than you
think. Make quite sure that the lane you will be going into is clear for a long way
behind.
 Once you have started to overtake, move past the vehicle you are overtaking
quickly, and leave it plenty of room. Then move back to the left side of the road as
soon as you can, but without cutting in.
 Overtake only on the right, except:
(i) when the driver in-front has signaled that he intends to turn right and you can
overtake him on the left without getting in the way of others;
(ii) when you want to turn to the left at a junction;
(iii) when the traffic is moving, slowly in queues, and vehicles in a lane on the
right are moving more slowly than you are;
(iv)in one-way streets (but not dual carriageways) where vehicles can pass on
either side.
 Do not accelerate when you are being overtaken. Slow down, if necessary, to let
the overtaking vehicles pass.
 On an ordinary two-lane road, give way to vehicles coming towards you before
you overtake parked vehicles, or other obstructions, on the left-hand side of the
road.
 Do not overtake at, or when coming to:
(i) a pedestrian crossing;
(ii) a road junction;
(iii) a corner or bend;
(iv) a hump, back bridge;
(v) the brow of a hill;
(vi) a level crossing.
 Do not overtake:
(i) where the road narrows;
(ii) when to do so would force another vehicle to swerve or slow down;
(iii) if you would have to cross double unbroken white lines, or double white
lines with an unbroken line nearest you;
(iv) when you see a No Overtaking sign.
If in doubt-do not overtake

10.6 Road Junctions and Channalizing Islands

 Always approach a junction with great care and be ready to stop. Before crossing
or turning, look right, then left, then right again. Do not go on until you are sure it
is safe, and that you will not block the road. Do not rely on signals to go on given
by anybody except a police affairs or traffic warden.
 At a junction with double broken white lines across the road (it may also have a
Give Way sign) you must slow down and be ready to stop to let traffic on the
major road go by first.
 You must stop at a junction with a stop sign and double unbroken white lines
across the road. Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you go on.
 When you are crossing a dual carriageway, treat each half as a separate road. Wait
at a central dividing strip (the central reserve) until there is a safe gap in the traffic
on the second half of the road.

172
 Box junctions have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road. Do not enter the
box junction if your exit road or lane from it is not clear. But you may enter the
junction when you want to turn right and are preventing from doing so only by on
coming traffic.

Junctions Controlled by Police or Traffic Wardens

 When traffic going straight ahead is held up, do not turn to the left unless the
police officer or traffic warden signals you to do so.

Junctions Controlled by Traffic Lights

 Do not go forward at green traffic lights unless there is room for you to clear the
junction and you are sure it is safe. Never go forward when the red and amber
lights are showing together.
 Where traffic lights have a green arrow filter signal, do not get into lane where
filtering is allowed unless you want to go in the direction shown by the arrow.

Turning Right
 Well before you turn right, use your mirror to make sure you know the position
and movement of traffic behind you. When it is safe, give a right turn signal and,
as soon as you can do so safely, take up position just left of the middle of the
road, or in the space marked for right-turning traffic. If you can, leave room for
other vehicles to pass on the left. Wait until there is a safe gap between you and
any coming vehicle; then make the turn, but do not cut the corner. Remember--
Mirror-Signal-Maneuver.
 When turning right from a dual carriageway, or when joining it from a side road
and then turning right, wait in the opening in the central reserve until there is a
safe gap in the traffic in the second half of the road.

Turning Left
Well before you turn left use your mirror and give a left turn signal. Do not swing out
to the right before or after turn signal. Do not swing out to the right before or after the
turn. Make sure a cyclist or a motor cyclist is not coming up from behind on your left.

Some typical layout of the road junctions and channelizing islands are shown in
Figure 1 (1-11).

173
174
175
 10.7 Roundabouts and Flyovers

 Give way to traffic from your immediate right, unless road markings indicate
otherwise, but keep moving if the way is clear.
 Unless the approach road and the roundabout itself are clear, or local conditions,
or road markings indicate otherwise, you should:

When Turning Left

 Approach in the left-hand lane; keep to that lane in the roundabout and leave by
that lane. Use the left turn indicator on approach and through the roundabout.

When Going Forward

 Approach in the left-hand lane; keep to that lane in the roundabout. Use the left
turn indicator at exit before the one to be taken. If conditions dictate (for example,
if the left-hand lane is blocked) approach in the right-hand lane; keep to that lane
in the roundabout. Use the left turn indicator at the exit before the one to be taken.

When Turning Right

 Approach in the right-hand lane; use the right turn indicator before entering the
roundabout and maintain this signal while keeping to the right-hand lane in the
roundabout; change to the left turn indicator at the exit before the one to be taken.
 When going forward or turning right, leave the roundabout in the left-hand lane of
the exit road unless conditions dictate use of right-hand lane.
 When in a roundabout look out for vehicles crossing in-front of you to leave by
the next exit.
 Directions for the traffic are given clearly by way of signs and markings.

Layout of some typical roundabouts are shown in Figure 2 (1-7); and layout of
flyovers in figure 3 (1-8).

176
177
178
179
 10.8 Reversing

 Before you reverse make sure that there are no pedestrians-particularly children-or
obstructions in the road behind you. Be especially careful about the "blind area"
behind you-that is, the part of the road which you cannot see from the driving seat.
 If you cannot see clearly behind, get someone to guide you when you reverse.
 Never reverse from a side road into a main road.

10.9 Lamps

 Make sure all your lamps work and that your headlamps are properly adjusted--
badly adjusted headlamps can dazzle other road users and lead to accidents.
 If you are dazzled by approaching headlamps slow down or stop.
 When it is dark, drive so that you can stop well within the distance you can see in
your headlamps to be clear ahead.
 Use dipped headlamps at night in built-up areas unless the street lighting is so
good that they are not needed.
 You must see headlamps on all roads where there is no street lighting.
 Dip your headlamps when meeting other vehicles traveling in the same direction
in front of you.
 Use your headlamps in day-time mist or fog or if the light is bad--to see and to be
seen.
 The flashing of headlamps has the same meaning as sounding your horn--to let
another road user know you are there.

Use of the Horn

 Sound your horn only to let another road user know you are there. Do not sound
your horn when your vehicle is stopped on a road, or between 11.30 p.m to 07.00
a.m in built-up area.

10.10 Waiting and Parking

 Do not park or let your vehicle stand:

1 Where you see these signs:
 no parking;
 clearway;
 yellow lines beside the kerb; double white lines in the middle of the road.

2 Where it would make it difficult for others to see clearly; that is, at or near a:
 Junction;
 Bend;
 Brow of a hill;
 Hump-back bridge;
 Level crossing.

3 Where it would be a danger to other road users; that is:

180
  At or near a bus stop;
 On a pedestrian crossing, or on either side of it;
 To or near a school entrance;
 On a footpath, pavement or cycle path;
 On the right-hand side of the road at night (except in a one-way street);
 Where it would hide a traffic sign.

4 Where it would hold up traffic or inconvenience others; that is:

 On a narrow road;
 On flyovers, in tunnels or in underpasses (unless there are signs to say you
may park there);
 On fast main roads (except in a lay-by);
 On motorways (except on the hard shoulder in an emergency);
 On a single track road, or in a passing place on such a road;
 Outside a private entrance for vehicles.

5 Where emergency vehicles stop, or go in and out;

 Hospital entrances;
 Doctors' entrances;
 Fire stations;
 Fire hydrants.

6 Where you would make the road narrow:

 Opposite on island;
 Alongside another parked vehicle;
 Opposite another parked vehicle if this would narrow the road to less then
the width of two vehicles;
 Near road works.

Make sure you always park your vehicle safely. Walk a few more meters rather than
cause an accident.

 Before you opening any door of a vehicle make sure there is no one on the road,
pavement or footpath close enough to be hit by the door. Be particularly careful
about cyclists. Get out on the side nearer the kerb whenever you can, and make
sure your passengers (especially children) do so, too.
 Stop as close as you can to the edge of the road. Before leaving your vehicle,
switch off the engine and make your hand brake is on firmly. Always lock your
vehicle. At night switch your headlamps off.

10.11Breakdowns and Accidents

 If you have a breakdown, get your vehicle off the road if possible, so that it does
not get in way of other traffic. Never forget the danger from passing traffic. Do
not stop on the carriageway or let your passengers do so, unless it is necessary.
 If your vehicle is fitted with amber indicators which can flash simultaneously, you
may use them in this way as a warning signal.
 If you carry an advance warning sign (a red reflecting triangle), place it on the
road to warn following traffic of an obstruction. The sign should be placed at least

181
 a50 ft (450 ft on motorways) before the obstruction, and on the same side of the
road.
 There may have been an accident if you see several vehicles in the distance which
are going very slowly or have stopped, or if you see warning signs and the
flashing lights of police and ambulance vehicles. Slow down and be prepared to
stop.

10.12 Motorway Driving

The rules as given earlier are also applicable to the motorways. To distinguish a
motorway, few peculiarities of motorways are as under:

 Motorways are dual carriageway roads which may not be used by certain kinds of
road user; for example, pedestrians, bicycles, motor cycles, agricultural vehicles
and slow moving vehicles.
 Traffic travels faster on motorways than on ordinary roads, and you will need to
sum up traffic situations more quickly. Using you mirror and concentrating all the
time are doubly important on motorways.
 Make sure your vehicle is fit to cruise at speed, has correct tyre pressures, and
enough petrol, oil and water to take you to the next service area.
 When you join a motorway other than at its start, you will approach from a road
on the left (a slip road). Give way to traffic already on the motorway. Watch for a
safe gap in the traffic in the inside lane on the motorway, and then accelerate in
the extra lane (the acceleration lane) so that when you join the inside lane you are
already traveling at the same speed as the traffic on it.
 Never reverse or turn in the road, or cross the central reserve, or drive against the
traffic.
 If you find that you are heading away from where you want to go, you must carry
on until you reach the next exit.
 Drive at a steady cruising speed within the limits of your vehicle, and do not break
the speed limits for the motorways or for your vehicle. On wet or icy roads, or in
fog, keep your speed down.
 Driving for long distances may make you feel sleepy. To help prevent this, make
sure there is plenty of fresh air in your vehicle, or stop at a service area, or turn off
at an exit, and walk around for a while.

10.13 Lane Discipline

 After joining the motorway, stay in the inside lane long enough to get used to the
speed of traffic before trying to overtake.
 On a two-lane carriageway, drive in the left-hand except when overtaking.
 On a three-lane carriageway you may stay in the middle lane when there are
slower vehicles in the inside lane, but you should return to the inside lane when
you have passed them. The outside lane is for overtaking only. If you use it, move
back at the middle lane and then into the inside lane as soon as you can, but
without cutting in.

182
 A goods vehicle with an unladed weight of more than three tons, or any vehicle
drawing a trailer, may not use the outside lane of a three-lane carriageway unless
there are exceptional circumstances.

10.14 Overtaking

 Overtaking only on the right, unless traffic is moving in queues in all lanes and
traffic on the right is moving more slowly than you are. Never move to a lane on
your left to overtake. Never use the heard shoulder for overtaking.
 Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe for yourself and others. Many
accidents on motorways are rear-ending collisions. So before you start to overtake
make sure that the lane you will be joining is clear for enough behind (use your
mirror) and ahead. Remember that traffic may be coming up behind much more
quickly than you think. Signal before you move out. Be particularly careful at
dusk, and in fog or mist, when it is more difficult to judge speed and distance.
Remember-Mirror-Signal-Maneuver.
 Get back to the inside lane or, if this is occupied, the middle lane as soon as you
can after overtaking, but do not cut in on the vehicle you have just overtaken.
 Do not accelerate when you are being overtaken. Slow down, if necessary, to let
the overtaking vehicle pass.

10.15 Breakdowns

 If you have breakdown get your vehicle off the carriageway on to the hard
shoulder so that it does not get in the way of other traffic. Never forget the danger
from passing traffic, so do not step on to the carriageway or let your passengers do
so. Use the roadside telephone if you need help. Signs on the marker posts
indicate the direction of the nearest telephone.

Warning Signals
 Warning signals are being put on rural motorways (usually at two-mile intervals)
on the central reverse. They have amber lights, and a panel in the middle. When
there is danger ahead, the amber lights flash and the panel shows the advised
maximum speed at which you should travel, or a "wicket" sign showing which
lane ahead is blocked. Take extra care when the lights are flashing.
 The new warning signals are installed in U.K. at every 3000 ft on urban
motorways. Each lane has its signal above the lane. The signals have amber lights,
and panels which show an advised maximum speed or arrows pointing to the lane
you should use. The signals also have red lights. When red lights are flashing
above your lane, you must stop at the signal.

10.16 Stopping, Parking and Leaving the Motorway

 Do not stop except:

(i) in an emergency (for example, to prevent an accident);
(ii) when you break down-then get your vehicle on to the hard shoulder;

183
 (iii) when you are signaled to do so by the police or by an emergency traffic
sign.
 You may park only at a service area. You must not park on:
(i) the carriageway itself;
(ii) the slip roads;
(iii)the hard shoulders (except in an emergency);
(iv)the central reserve.
 Never walk on the carriageway. Be particularly careful to keep children and
animals off the carriageway and the hard shoulders in an emergency.

10.17 Leaving the Motorway

 If you are not going to the end of the motorway you will leave by a slip road on
your left. Watch for the signs letting you know you are getting near your turn-off
point, give a left turn signal, get into the inside lane in good time, and stay in it.
Then get into the extra lane provided (the deceleration lane) in order to slow down
before you join the slip road.
 If you miss your turn-off point, you must carry on until you reach the next one; do
not reverse or turn back.
 When you leave a motorway, remember to alter your driving to suit the different
conditions on other roads. Your speed will be higher than you think--a speed of 50
m.p.h. may feel like 30 m.p.h--so be sure to use your speedometer.

10.18 Extra Rules for Cyclists

 Make sure your cycle or motor cycle is in good condition, particularly the breaks,
tyres, lamps and rear reflector-before you ride it.
 Do not start off, turn right or left, or pull up without first glancing behind to see it
is safe. Give a clear signal of what you mean to do.
 Do not ride more than two abreast. Ride in single file on busy or narrow roads.
 On busy roads, if you want to turn right, it is often safer to pull well into the left
side of the road and wait for a safe gap in the traffic in both directions before you
start to cross.
 While riding:
(i) always hold the handlebar and keep your feet on the pedals;
(ii) do not hold on to another vehicle or another cyclist;
(iii) do not carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or altered to carry
one;
(iv)do not ride close behind another vehicle;
(v) do not carry anything which may affect your balance;
(vi)do not lead an animal.
 If there is an adequate cycle path beside the road, ride on it.

10.19 The Road User and Animals

 Do not let your dog out of its own. When you take it for a walk on the road, keep
it on a lead.

184
 If you have an animal in your car, keep it under control. Make sure it cannot
disturb you while you are driving. Do not let a dog out of a car on to the road
unless it is on a lead.
 If you are riding a horse, keep to the left. If you are leading a horse while riding
another, you should also keep to the left and keep the led animal on your left.
 If you are on foot, and leading an animal, on a road that has no footpath, walk on
the right-hand side of the road. Keep between the animal and the traffic, and keep
it close to the edge of the road.
 If you are herding animals along or across the road and there is someone with you,
send him along the road to warn drivers at places such as bends and brows of hills
where they may not be able to see. Carry lights after sunset.

10.20 The Road User and Railway Level Crossings

 Never drive "nose to tail" over any level crossing. Never drive on to one unless
you can see that the road is clear on the other side. Never stop on or immediately
beyond any level crossing.
 Many level crossings have gates, or barriers with skirts, that are operated by an
attendant and go right across the road. Some also have flashing red warning lights.
Do not cross the railway once the lights have started to flash.
 Some level crossings with gates, but no attendant, have small red and green
warning lights. Open both gates before you cross with a vehicle or animals, and
close them after you. Do not cross when the red light is showing, as a train is
coming. There is a special railway telephone and if you are driving a very wide, or
a long, or a slow-moving vehicle, or are herding animals, you must first phone the
signalman to ask him to let you cross. When you have crossed, phone the
signalman again to let him know you are over.
 Some level crossings have gates but no attendant or warning lights. At such
crossings, stop, look both ways, listen and make sure there is no train coming.
Open both gates before you cross with a vehicle or animals, and close them after
you. If there is a special railway telephone, phone the signalman to make sure it is
safe for you to cross.
 At level crossings with no gates, or attendant, or warning lights, stop, look both
ways, listen and make sure there is no train coming before you cross. Always
"Give Way" to trains.
 Some level crossings with no gate or attendant have flashing red stop lights. When
the red lights flash you must stop and wait. Do not cross the railway--a train will
reach the crossing soon after the lights begin to flash. The lights will go out when
it is safe to cross.
 Some level crossings are automatic half-barrier crossings. These have automatic
barriers across the left side of the road. The train works the barriers, which fall
just before the train reaches the crossing. Flashing red stop lights and bells warn
you when the barriers are about to come down. Do not move on to the railway
once these warning signals have started--the train cannot stop and will be at the
crossing in about half a minute. Wait at the "Stop" line. If you are on foot, wait at
the barrier, or the broken white line on the road or footpath, or by the wicket gate.
Never zig-zag round the barriers--you may be killed, and endanger other lives.
If the barriers stay down and the red lights continue to flash after a train has gone
by, another train is coming, so you should still wait.

185
 There are special railway telephones; at these crossings. If the barriers stay down
at nay time for more than three minutes without a train arriving, phone the
signalman for advice. If you are driving a very wide, or a long, or a slow-moving
vehicle (one which cannot cross at more than 5 m.p.h) or are herding animals, you
must first phone the signalman to ask him to let you cross. When you have
crossed, phone the signalman again to let him know you are over.
 If your vehicle stalls, or breaks down, or if you have an accident on the crossing:
First: get your passengers out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing; then phone
the signalman immediately.
Second: if possible, push the vehicle clear of the crossing. If the red lights and
bells start, stand well clear of the crossing.
 If you are crossing when the red lights and bells start, keep going.

Some of the most important road-side traffic signs and carriageway markings are
shown in the following few figures.

(As a matter of fact, the traffic control figures are self-explanatory. As such, these do
not necessarily require any further elaboration as to what they indicate. It may be
mentioned here that most of the signs are internationally recognized. As it is the
knowledge of these signs will be of much help for the overseas travelers).

186
187
SIGNALS TO OTHER ROAD USERS

188
 ARM SIGNALS
When indicators or stop lights are not fitted (or are faulty).
Also for use by pedal cyclists and those in charge of horses.

189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
 10.21 Penalties

The penalties table indicates the offences and the associated penalties. This list is not
comprehensive and there are other offences / violations for which one can be
prosecuted.

As can be seen there are penalty points for offences listed in the table below. These
are intended to deter people from unsafe driving. The accumulation of penalty points
acts as a warning to drivers that they risk disqualification if further offences are
committed. Any driver who accumulates 20 or more points within a two-year period
must be disqualified by the S.P. Highway and Motorway Police for a minimum period
of six months and for a longer period if the driver had previously been disqualified.

Table 1. Violation-Penalty
PENALTY TABLE
Offence Maximum Penalties
Impris- Fine Penalty
Violation Disqualification
onment (Rs.)Points
Causing an accident Power of court to order
which result in: disqualification.
(a) Death Will be dealt in 15
(b) Serious Bodily accordance with 10 The court taking cognizance of
Injury penal code. any offence under the National
(c) Minor Bodily 8 Highways safety ordinance
Injury may, in addition to imposing
(d) Property damages Up to 6 any other punishment
500 authorized by the law,

206
Failing to stop on the Up to 1000 disqualify the convict from
occurrence of an six to 10 driving any or all classes of
accident. months 2000 motor vehicles for such period
Up to as the court may specify
Driving with a Up to
six 10 (Section 14 of the National
suspended license. 1000
months Highways Safety Ordinance)
Overloading
passenger or goods in Up to 1000 Point system for the traffic
excess of permissible six to 6 violation.
limit, to the extent of months 2000
30% 1. Whosoever is convicted of
Driving without a Up to 500 contravention of the rules
license valid for the one to 6 specified in the Eight
vehicle driven month 1000 Schedule shall, in addition
Driving under 500 to penalties provided under
One this ordinance, also be
influence of drugs to 8
month charged with points
alcohol. 1000
Failure to observe indicated against each
traffic signals: offence under the Eleventh
Nil Schedule.
(a) Red light 300 6
(b) Flashing Light 200 4 2. When points accumulated
Driving at speed in Up to 500 against any person exceed
excess of permissible one to 6 ten within a two years'
limits by 40 Km/h month 1000 period, he shall be issued a
Overtaking Up to 500 warning listing the reported
dangerously or where one to 6 violations.
prohibited month 1000 3. When the points
Up to 500 accumulated, within a two
Reckless driving one to 6 years' period exceed
month 1000 twenty, the license of such
Failure to stop when Up to 200 person shall be suspended
ordered by a Police one To 6 by a Superintendent
Officer in uniform month 500 National Highways Police
Driving wrong way in for a period of six months.
-do- 500 4 (Section 61 of the National
one-way street
Failure to stop at a Highway Ordinance.)
-do- 500 4
stop-sign
Improper crossing of
-do- 300 4
railway tracks
Failure to yield the
right-of-way to other -do- 300 4
vehicles
Driving at night
Nil 500 4
without proper lights
Interfering, etc. with
-do- 500 4
an emergency vehicle
Driving a vehicle -do- 500 4
without proper
authority

207
Taking prohibited U-
-do- 300 2
turn
2
Disobeying yield sign -do- 200
Failure to yield the
right of way to -do- 300 2
pedestrian
Following too closely
or cutting in too -do- 300 2
sharply
150
Driving with rear
-do- to 2
screen covered
300
Jumping traffic queue -do- 500 2
Driving on the wrong
-do- 500 2
side of the traffic
Failing to dip
headlight for other -do- 500 2
traffic
Using turn indicator
for any purpose other -do- 300 2
than turning
Reversing where
-do- 500 2
prohibited
Failing to observe
-do- 200 2
silence zone
Loading in excess of
the restriction on -do- 500 2
dimension of goods
Towing violations -do- 500 2
Failure to protect
-do- 500 2
beginner driver, etc.
Changing lane or
turning without giving -do- 500 2
proper signal
Careless driving -do- 300 2
Obstructing traffic -do- 500 2
Improper turn (turn -do-
300 2
from wrong lane)
Failure to stop for a
school-bus or -do- 200 2
emergency vehicle
Improper loading of
-do- 500 2
goods
Other violations as -do- 300 1
listed in part II and part
III of seventh schedule
of the National
Highways Safety
Ordinance

208
 Up
Defective brakes -do- to 3
500
Up to 3
Defective steering -do-
500
Up to
Tyre – unsuitable type -do- 3
500
Tyre – over / under Up to
-do- 3
inflated 500
Tyre – tread less than Up to
-do- 3
prescribed 500
Tyre – different types Up to
-do- 3
of different axles 500
Condition / load
Up to
likely to cause -do- 3
500
nuisance
Provisional license
Up to
holder driving on -do- 3
500
national highway
Contravening double
-do- 200 3
white lines
Contravening height Up to
-do- 3
restriction 500
Stopping on zebra Up to
-do- 3
crossing 500
Motorcycle passenger
-do- 200 3
not sitting astride.

10.22 Vehicle Security

When you leave your vehicle always:

 Remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock.

 Lock the car, even if you only leave it for a few minutes.
 Close the windows completely – even the smallest gap is asking for trouble. But
never leave children or pets in an un ventilated car.
 Take all contents with you, or lock them in the boot. Remember, for all a thief
knows a carrier bag may contain valuables. Never leave vehicle documents in the
car.

For extra security fit an anti-theft-device such as an alarm or immobilizer. If you are
buying a new car it is good idea to check the level of built-in security features and it is
worthwhile having your registration number etched on all your car windows. This is a
cheap and effective deterrent to professional thieves.

209
 10.23 First Aid

Take the following actions:

DANGER- Deal with threatened danger or you and the casualties may be killed.
FURTHER COLLISIONS and FIRE are the dangers in a road accident.

1. If possible warn other traffic. Switch off the engine. Impose a "No Smoking" ban.
2. Send a bystander to call an ambulance as soon as possible: state the exact location
of the accident and the numbers of vehicles and casualties involved.
3. Casualties remaining in vehicles should not be moved unless further danger is
threatened.

If breathing has stopped:

4. Remove any obvious obstruction in the mouth. Keep the head tilted backwards as
far as possible – breathing may begin and the color may improve. If not, pinch the
casualty's nostrils together and blow into the mouth until the chest rises: withdraw,
then repeat regularly once every four seconds until the casualty can breath
unaided.
5. Movement may further damage an injured back, so only move if in danger, if
breathing becomes difficult or stops. Treat as above.
6. Apply firm hand pressure over the wound, preferably using some clean material,
without pressing on any foreign body in the wound. Secure a pad with a bandage
or length of cloth. Raise limb to lessen the bleeding, providing it is not broken.
7. The casualty may be shocked but prompt treatment will minimize this; reassure
confidently; avoid unnecessary movement; keep the casualty comfortable and
prevent them getting cold; ensure they are not left alone.
8. Give the casualty NOTHING to-drink.
9. Carry a first aid kit learn first aid from a qualified organization.

10.24 Speed Limits

Drive slowly in residential areas. In some roads there are features such as road humps
and narrowing intended to slow you down. A 32 km/h maximum speed limit may also
be in force. Remember by heart the maximum speed limits as provided in law for
various roads. Never exceed the posted speed limit. Where speed limit is not specified
do not exceed the limit mentioned in table below:

210
 (Maximum Permissible Speed Limits may vary from time to time)

Table 2 shows the speed limits for various types of highways

Type of Highway Maximum Km/h Minimum Km/h

(A) Rural Highways: - -
Primary Up to 120 65
Secondary 100 -
Tertiary 80 -
(B) Urban Highways - -
Primary 100 50
Secondary 80 -
Tertiary 50 -
(C) Near Mosque,
40 -
Schools and Hospitals

Note: Primary - Motorway, expressway, dual carriageway

Secondary - Two Lanes
Tertiary - Signal Lane, Gravel.

Precautions:

On wet, muddy or icy roads; during night times and when visibility is poor, the
permissible speed limit should be reduced by 16 km/h which ever is higher.

Speed limit does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed. Drive according to the
conditions. Slow down if road is wet or icy and in fog. Drive more slowly at night
when it is harder to see pedestrians and cyclists.

Stopping distances: drive at a speed that allows you to stop well within the distance
you can see to be clear. Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so
that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. The safe rule is never
to get closer than the overall stopping distances as shown. But in good conditions on
roads carrying fast traffic, a two second time gap may be sufficient. The gap should be
at least on wet roads and increased further on icy roads. Large vehicles and
motorcycles need time to stop than cars. Drop back if someone overtakes and pulls
into the gap in front.

211
 10.25 Driver Licensing

Any person male or female of the minimum age of 18 years, who has a National
Identity Card (NIC) Number and proof of residence of the area in which a candidate
is applying and must be able to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5m (65
ft.). All the auto driven vehicles require their drivers to have a valid driving license.

10.26 Conclusion

What has been given above are just some sorted-out tips for the "safe driving" from
the code. It is designed to prevent accidents by ensuring that we all adopt the same
rules when using a road. The rules are not just for motorists; they apply also to
pedestrians and cyclists. The Highway and Motorway Code (HMC) must be an
essential reading for everyone. The rules in the code do not give you the right of way
in any circumstances--but they do tell you when you should give way to others.
Always give way if it can help to avoid an accident or ease congestion.

Highway safety has developed over the years into a comprehensive set of rules.
Observance is best achieved by making certain that the rules are seen to be both
necessary and fair and that they are as straight forward as possible. The HMC helps to
ensure that the rules are more easily understood. Most people follow the rules. For
those who do not, road traffic law lays down both general bad driving offences and
more specific ones aimed at particular types of behavior. Abide by the rules for your
own safety and the safety of others. All road users share a personal responsibility to
reduce the terrible toll of death, injury and property loss on the public roads. No
doubt; as said by Milton L. Smith, "The future of civilization is to great extent, being
written in the classrooms of the world". In the classroom, a teacher of traffic
engineering should remember: "The eternal mystery of the world is its
comprehensibility”. (Albert Einstein)

For the information of the reader, Appendix-B shows the distances between the major
cities of Pakistan.

212
213