2. Follow Traffic Signals and Road Signs
Traffic signals and road signs are there to guide and protect us. When everyone follows them, roads become safer and more organized.
Why This Lesson Matters
- Ignoring signals leads to chaos and accidents.
- Road signs help you anticipate hazards and follow rules.
- Obeying signals is a basic civic responsibility.
What Do Traffic Lights Mean?
-
🔴 Red = Stop
You must stop your vehicle completely. -
🟡 Yellow = Wait / Slow Down
Get ready to stop or move carefully.The point of a yellow light is to indicate to the road users that the light is about to turn red and that they should start slowing down and stopping. Every driver is required by law to stop at a yellow light unless they are too close to the junction to do so safely.
Source: Jumped the yellow light and got a challan: Is this right?
-
🟢 Green = Go
Move ahead, but only after checking the road is clear.
🛑 Always stop behind the stop line, not on it. Never jump a red light. Wait for green even if the road looks empty.
- Flashing Yellow = Slow down before proceeding
Some places may resort to a flashing yellow light in the wee hours when there is not much traffic on the road, especially at night/early morning.
Source: Blinking yellow means signal is out of service
Learn more: Traffic signal rules in India - Traffic light rules
Common Road Signs in India
Road signs are categorized into three types:
Mandatory Signs (Red-bordered circles)
- Examples: Stop, No Entry, Speed Limit
- These must be followed by law.
Cautionary Signs (Red-bordered triangles)
- Examples: School Ahead, Curve, Slippery Road
- Warn you of potential hazards.
Informative Signs (Blue rectangles)
- Examples: Hospital, Parking, Fuel Station
- Help with navigation and services.
Why Road Signs Are Important
Road signs give you important instructions about speed, turns, schools, hospitals, and more.
Some common signs:
- ⚠️ Speed Breaker Ahead
- 🚸 School Zone – Drive Slowly
- 🛣️ One Way – Do Not Enter from the Wrong Side
- 🚫 No Parking / No Horn
These signs help you stay alert and avoid accidents.
In India, It’s Even More Important
Indian roads can be busy and unpredictable. That’s why following traffic rules is a must:
- Don’t jump red lights, even if the road looks empty.
- Slow down at zebra crossings and let pedestrians pass.
- Don’t ignore signs like “No Entry” or “No U-turn”.
Legal Rules in India
- Violating traffic signals is punishable under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Penalties include fines up to ₹500 for first offense, higher for repeat violations.
- CCTV and traffic police monitor signal compliance in major cities.
Myth Busters
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "I can cross if no one's watching." | Signals exist to protect everyone, not just when police are present. |
| "Yellow means speed up." | Yellow means slow down and prepare to stop. |
| "Road signs are optional." | Many signs are legally enforceable and critical for safety. |
Quick Challenge
Scenario: You approach a green light, but pedestrians are crossing.
Question: Should you keep going?
✅ No. Green means go only if the way is clear. Always yield to pedestrians.
Real life examples
#Noida Link Road 🚨⚠️ - Traffic Signal 🚦 🛑 #Red - Cab thought of jumping signal mostly, but slowed down - Scooter without “safe braking distance gap” tried to jump signal @DriveSmart_IN @dabir @InfraEye VC: @critvik
Why do we even need red lights or signals in Pune? 🚦 This particular stretch is so dysfunctional that traffic rules don’t seem to apply. Let’s not forget ; Pune spent ₹146 crore on ATMS as part of the so-called #SmartCity project, which now feels like a massive scam. Now
Attempting to kill others or on a suicide mission? @PuneCityPolice @PuneCityTraffic pl bring such ppl to book. 1. Jumped signal &almost crashed into legitimately moving cars. 2. #NonStandardNumberPlate 3. No helmet Location: Shastri Nagar signal, #Pune MH12TT9255 @CPPuneCity
This is what cheap internet does. Another reason why we have so many accidents. Location: Shinde Vasti Signal MH 14 LS 0281 @motordave2
It’s not only Punekars but our govt agencies @PMCPune @msrtcofficial everyone breaks signal in Pune Don’t miss @PMCPune garbage vehicle coming from opposite side
Punekar Punekar! Yes Papa! Jumping signals? Yes Papa! Regard for rules? No Papa! Traffic police? Ha ha ha! @CPPuneCity @PuneCityTraffic traffic signals have become something to be ignored. Pl take immediate action. Location: Nagar road, Nr Vijay Sales, #Pune
One major reason why we have traffic jams in India is because of us not following traffic rules. Like here, there's traffic signal, the blockade you see here won't cause if everyone followed signal lights. But everyone who breaks it thinks he's too smart, special to cause havoc.
Pune civic sense on road is the worst in the country. Especially Bikers, they don’t have patience. Today’s scene at Wagheswar Parking
Key Takeaways
- Traffic signals and road signs are essential for safe travel.
- Red = Stop, Yellow = Slow, Green = Go.
- Learn and follow road signs to avoid confusion and danger.
Before you move, ask yourself:
“Am I following the rules?”
- Stop at red lights.
- Slow down at yellow.
- Go only when safe.
- Respect every road sign, they’re there for your protection.
✅ Safe Habits to Follow
- Look at signals and signs at every junction.
- Don’t follow the crowd. Follow the rules.
- Teach others, especially kids and new riders.