Pedestrians’ jaywalking often causes disruptions for drivers on road when they have to stop their vehicle all of a sudden in response to unexpected road crossing done by pedestrians.
Furthermore, preventing jaywalking through imposing fines under enacting it as a law can help maintain road safety. When people cross streets and roads outside the designated lines, areas, and at green lights, they intervene with traffic flow. In these abrupt circumstances, drivers are forced to apply brakes abruptly or divert their vehicle or take evasive actions that can lead to delays and jam, while also increasing the risk of accidents.
Jaywalkers (slang used for them are ‘greenhorns’ and ‘rubes’) ignore rules devised to control pedestrians’ movement on roads and streets. Even on flyovers and by pass roads, the pedestrians overlook the speed of vehicles and cross the road from any unspecific points. It is also witnessed that some jaywalkers jump the barriers or divisions located aside the roads.
Although, jaywalking is typically considered a minor offense, it raises significant concerns about road safety. To address this, our government has introduced penalties for offenders to encourage safe pedestrian practices and reduce risks. Section 28B of the Delhi Police Act, 33B of the Bombay Police Act and 92G of the Karnataka Police Act are the examples in our judiciary that call this practice as ‘obstruction of traffic’ and is punishable. Mr. Balasbramanian states, “Drives against jaywalking are conducted by the police departments from time to time and offenders are given fines of 100 to 500 Indian rupees, depending upon the jurisdictions.” (28)
The imposition of fines is primarily meant to deter jaywalkers who flagrantly disregard traffic rules. Such individuals may argue that crossing streets at any point is no different from other common actions, such as wandering or crossing at a less busy location. This mindset should be more seriously addressed and corrected before we can fully evaluate the penalties from all perspectives and it is requested to our judiciary to please devise or modify laws to ensure the safety of every civilian who uses the road.
References
Balasubramanian, Karthik. ‘Jaywalking drive Resumes, 28 Fined’. Hindustan Times. November, 15 2017.
Rao, Mohit M. ‘Walking into Danger’. The Hindu. November 15, 2015.
First Writer- Ms. Versha Bhati
B.A. Hons. (English), 3rd Semester
(Roll Number: – 23/SMEH/BA(ENG)/055)
Department of English, School of Media Studies and Humanities
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad
Second Writer- Dr. Tripti Tyagi
Assistant Professor, Department of English, School of Media Studies and Humanities
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad