Lane-driving awareness kicks off in Bhubaneswar, commuters sensitized in pilot drive

In a bid to reduce traffic snarls and accidents as well as educate people about proper driving methods, the Commissionerate Police has launched a ‘lane-awareness’ program in Bhubaneswar. The initiative kicked off on a pilot basis on Tuesday at Jayadev Vihar Square.

Sources reported that the initiative is being carried out under the direct and in-person supervision of Traffic DCP Tapan Mohanty, along with Twin City Commisionerate Police officials. The main goal is to spread awareness and teach people how to drive in designated lanes according to their vehicle size and speed.

Aim of the Initiative:

Ground reports stated that initially, one of the three lanes on either side of the six-lane road was barricaded by police using traffic cones. The aim of this was to encourage people to stay in one lane and not shift to the other while driving.

It is pertinent to note that a major cause of accidents along the busy stretches of the capital city’s roads is vehicles jumping from one lane to the other without any indication. Traffic personnel stated that this was due to the lack of awareness of lane-driving.

“We have begun this initiative and are awaiting its outcome. People are being educated and encouraged to stay in one lane. Sensitization is also being carried out to help people learn which lane is meant for their vehicle,” said the Traffic DCP.

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How lane-driving awareness will help:

Mohanty also added that proper lane driving will reduce congestion during peak evening hours and ease traffic flow along the stretch of road from Jayadev Vihar to Damana Square, which remains notorious for long queues of stuck vehicles.

He also stated that if the initiative yielded successful results, then he same system would be implemented at major intersections such as Acharya Vihar, Patia, and Damana in the coming days.

What do Indian traffic laws say?

According to Indian traffic laws, applicable on a three-lane stretch of any road, here is how different vehicles are generally expected to stay in their respective lanes:

Left Lane: Usually meant for slower-moving vehicles, such as bicycles, two-wheelers, and auto-rickshaws. It’s also used by vehicles preparing to turn left.

Middle Lane: Recommended for cars and smaller vehicles maintaining a moderate speed. This lane is ideal for cruising within the speed limit.

Right Lane: Typically reserved for overtaking and faster-moving vehicles. Heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks should avoid this lane unless they are overtaking.

On multi-lane highways, trucks and buses often stick to the left-most lanes, while smaller vehicles use the center and right lanes for overtaking and maintaining speed.

(Reported by Atulya Bout)