Aadhaar Card will be mandatory for DL

The Centre will soon ask all the states to make the Aadhaar card mandatory to avail a driving licence. This step will be taken to stop the issuance of multiple DLs under the same person’s name. This measure is expected to stop the over issuance of licences. It will also help in suspending licences and finding fake licences. The biometric details of the Aadhaar card can help the traffic police department put a stop to such activities. According to sources, the process will kick start from October, 2017.

The transport ministry has already taken necessary steps to start the process. As DL issuance is a state run subject, the centre will encourage the state ministries to adopt this system. The quicker it is adopted by the states, the better it is for the RTOs. As it is not really difficult to avail a driving licence, confiscation by traffic cops does not really work as a preventive step.

The Aadhaar card will serve as a single document that establishes the applicant’s identity. The RTOs are also being equipped so that these details can be recorded by them for the issuance of driving licences.

Considering the fact that the Motor Vehicle Act is over 30 years old, the rules are vague and not suitable for the increasing amount of traffic and road accidents. The government has considered the statistics from the past and came to a conclusion that by making Aadhaar mandatory and increasing the fine for traffic rule violation can help curb and reduce a huge number of road accidents, duplicate driving licences, and duplicate vehicle registrations.

Once Aadhaar becomes mandatory for driving licences and vehicle registrations, the government will gain superior administrative control while maintaining transparency through the digitized platform powered by Aadhaar. Aadhaar is already an important identification document that is required for application of new LPG connection, admission to colleges, board exams, PAN card, e-filing ITR, and various other welfare programs and subsidy from the government.

What the Government has Done for Road Safety : National Road Safety Policy

Preamble

The Government of India has recognized that road accidents is a leading cause of death in the country. It has also recognized the importance of addressing road safety in order to reduce the number of accidents, deaths and injuries on the road. This must also be seen as a joint effort/responsibility of State and Central Government. The National Road Safety Policy is an effort for this movement by the government.

Policy Statements:

The Government has taken the following steps to improve safety on the roads:

1. Raise awareness about issues related to road safety
   The government would escalate its efforts to endorse awareness about road safety and all its aspects. This includes the implications of road accidents and the steps which have to be taken to reduce the number of incidents. The purpose of this is to enable and empower people on the road in order for them to take on a meaningful role in promoting road safety.
2. Launch a Road Safety Information Database
   The government would help with increasing the quality of data collection, transmission, analysis and crash investigation by extending a hand to Union Territories, States and local bodies.
3. Safer Road Infrastructure
   There will be measures taken by the Government to ensure better standards in terms of design and safety of urban and rural roads. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is to be put in use to ensure efficient and safe transport system which will be on par with international best practices.
4. Safer Vehicles
   The vehicles on the roads must be signed off as in line with international standards so that they pose least threat in terms of safety on the roads and harm to the environment. For this the safety features must be monitored from the stage of design, production, operation and maintenance of vehicles.
5. Safer Drivers
   The government will take measures to ensure that only highly capable and competent drivers are behind the wheel by making the system of driver licensing stricter.
6. Safer conditions for Vulnerable Road Users
   The needs of people on the road (including the physically challenged, the vulnerable and non-motorized transport) will be taken into account during the design and construction of all road facilities. Town planners, highway, engineers, traffic engineers and architects will have to keep ‘best practices’ while working on roads.
7. Road Traffic Safety Education and Training
   Publicity campaigns, training and education will be used to create awareness and instil road safety knowledge among the population (both in the community and in educational institutions).
8. Safety Laws Enforcement
   Various state and other governments will be aided by the Government of India to strengthen enforcements. This will make safety law implementation more uniform and effective. Highway Patrolling on National and State Highways will also be increased in number and frequency.
9. Emergency Medical Amenities for Accidents on the Road
   There will be all efforts made from the government to ensure that everyone who is involved in accidents on the road will get quick, superior medical care. The main features of such medical care includes efficient rescue operations and conducting first aid at the accident site, as well as transporting the injured to the hospital for further care. Further, the government will ensure that all hospitals near National Highways/ State Highways are prepared to care for those who are injured in road accidents sufficiently.
10. HRD and Research for Road Safety
    Programmes of road safety research will be encouraged by the government. This includes identifying priority areas, funding research, founding research and academic institutions etc. The results of such research will be disseminated by the government through workshops, training, publication, conferences and websites.
11. Fortifying Institutional, Legal and Financial Environment for Road Safety

Implementation Strategy

National Road Safety Board is an agency that the Government has dedicated to supervise the matters related to road safety. This board is meant to provide strategies that will implement Road Safety Policy. National Road Safety Fund is also to be established by the Government to fund road activities.

Top 10 Tips on How To Save Fuel

All of us remember a time, which now seems like eons ago, when petrol prices hovered around Rs 50 for a litre. Though, deemed as high for those times, the price at which fuel retails now, can be termed as nothing short of insane. The prices of diesel and petrol have shot up in the past few years, making fuel a prized commodity. The direct effect of these rising fuel prices has been on the customers who are looking to purchase a car or a two wheeler. The primary factor which influences car buyers now is the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. However, no matter how fuel efficient the vehicle may be, the cost of fuel is only rising with time. Considering this, one cannot just restrict themselves with choosing a vehicle which offers high fuel efficiency. Driving habits and the condition of the vehicle are also major factors when it comes to conserving fuel. So, here are a few tips and tricks with the help of which you can save on fuel while commuting.

1. Avoid Aggressive Driving –

   Rapid accelerating, speeding, and frequent braking an eat up a lot of fuel. These practices can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 33% on highways and driving within the city.

2. Keep Your Speed in Check –

   Your car’s fuel consumption is dependent on various factors like the vehicle’s aerodynamics, road friction, engine efficiency, etc. As the speed of the car increases, the fore of the wind against the vehicle also increases. The friction on the road also plays a factor. Studies conducted have suggested that once the speed of the vehicle goes beyond 80kmph, its efficiency drops significantly.
   Given that, it is advisable to drive at speeds between 60 kmph to 80 kmph, depending on the kind of road you are driving on.

3. A Loaded Trunk Decreases Fuel Efficiency –

   If the trunk of your car is loaded and heavy, it can also reduce the fuel efficiency and hence reduce mileage also.

4. Regular Servicing is Necessary –

   With use over time, every vehicle can go through routine wear and tear. In order to keep that wear and tear in check and help restore the vehicle to optimum running condition, it is necessary that the vehicle must be regularly serviced for engine tune up, air filter cleaning, oil check, etc.

5. On Highways, Drive with Your Windows Up –

   As compared to in-city driving, highway driving is usually done at relatively higher speeds. Driving at higher speeds with the windows down increases the drag on the vehicle which results in about 10% more fuel consumption.

6. Limit the use of the Air conditioning while driving –

   As we all know, driving the car with the AC running can increase the load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption. So, limit the use of air conditioning unless it's necessary.

7. Maintain tire pressure:

   Tire pressure level must be maintained as recommended by manufacturer

8. Avoid jerky driving –

   Sudden acceleration and sudden braking done frequently can increase unnecessary fuel consumption by up to 20%. Slow and steady acceleration and braking is the advisable technique for saving fuel.

9. Avoid Running The Engine On Idle –

   Idling is defined as when the engine of the vehicle is running but the vehicle itself isn’t moving. This is commonly done to keep the AC running. This is a common practice which people follow while waiting in traffic but it ends up wasting a lot of fuel. It is advisable that if the wait time in traffic is more than 10 seconds, you should turn the engine off.

Top Ways To De-stress & Be Productive While Being Stuck In Traffic

Traffic is the bane of every city dweller’s existence. Ever since the 70’s, there has been a constant rise the number of vehicles over the years. With time, cars have become more of a necessity than a luxury as manufacturers roll out new models almost each quarter. With facilities like car loan and EMI payments, it has become easier than ever before for a person to purchase a car. However, this rapid spike in the population of vehicles has given rise to the evil problem of traffic congestion.

Anyone who has to commute to work will be familiar with the frustration and irritation which comes with having to wait in traffic. With no regard for driving rules, traffic jams have become the order of the day as commuters keep aside an hour or more for traffic related delays while on their way to work. Sometimes, it may clear in a few minutes, but mostly, routine traffic jams usually have you standing for about 15 minutes on an average at a signal. So, on a daily basis, an individual could be wasting up to an hour, just stuck in traffic, while on their way to work or while travelling anywhere within the city.

However, do you know, there are plenty of things which you could do instead of just waiting for that darned traffic to clear. It doesn’t matter that you are seated in your car, with horns honking all around, you can still make good use of your time by doing something which can benefit you greatly. Read on to find out how you can not only de-stress but also be productive while being stuck in traffic.

1. Make a To-do List –

   What better time than this to quickly prepare a to-do list for tasks which need to be done. Be it making a grocery list, or jotting down a list of minor repair work which needs to be done around the house, you can do it while sitting in your car, be it on a writing pad or even on your cellphone.

2. Listen To An Audiobook –

   This is a great option for all those avid readers who love to take up a book in whatever spare time they can get. While it might not be the best idea to open a hardback while you may be waiting in traffic, an audiobook is the perfect alternative. All you need is your smartphone, earphones and a reliable data connection. The Google Playstore has plenty of top rated audiobook apps which let you choose from thousands of titles. So take your pick and start enjoying.

3. Re-arrange Your Wallet –

   You might have been putting it off for a long time, but you can't ignore it any longer that you wallet needs de-cluttering. What better time than now, while you have it. Pick out all those old petrol receipts, bills, tickets, etc. that’s of no use any more and slim down your wallet.

4. Learn a New Language –

   The invention of smartphones has indeed opened a whole new world for us. One of the most fun ways to use your idle time is to learn a new language. Pick any language which fascinates or interests you and start with its basics. The Google Playstore has some award winning apps like Duolingo, Memrise, etc. where you can learn take up languages like Spanish, French, Italian, Russian and many others.

5. De-Clutter The Glove Box –

   One of the most cluttered yet ignored storage spaces in your car is the glove box compartment. Petrol receipts, restaurant drive through bills and ton of other random receipts can accumulate over time in your glove box. Take this time to go over them and toss out the ones which are of no further use.

6. Get in Touch With a Friend or Family Member –

   Is there a friend or family member you have been meaning to talk to or get in touch with for some time. Then, this would be a perfect time to do so. While you are waiting for the traffic to move, you can utilize the time to call a friend or family member and have a hearty chat without having to hurry. Also, since the average waiting time at any signal can be a good 15-20 mins, you needn’t rush through with the conversation either. However, do make sure that the law permits you to talk on the phone while waiting in traffic or it could cost you dearly.

7. Plan Out For A Task At Work –

   Driving to work in the morning can be stressful, with the constant honking and yelling all around. However, you can use this time to plan out for a task which requires completion at work. Just roll up your car windows which can help cut out the noise to a great extent and then you can plan out how you would like to approach that impending task at work. This can help you save a lot of time and undue pressure once you start your work day.

8. Sing Along With The Radio –

   Singing is one of the best ways to de-stress. The mere act of singing out loud to your favorite song can help lift your spirits and improve your mood considerably. So, turn up that radio and tune into your favorite station and let yourself go!

9. Check Your Work Email –

   For many office goers, their work schedule demands them to start their day early. However, commuting to work alone can eat up a lot of precious time which could otherwise be spent at work tackling tasks. However, there is a simple alternative to doing that. While you are waiting in traffic, you can quickly go through your work emails and respond to those which require urgent attention. This way, you can easily get ahead of your schedule and start your work day on an easier and a slightly relaxed note.

10. Organize your Weekly Calendar –

    Sitting idle in the morning? Utilize the time to re-align and organize your weekly calendar. Any meetings, doctor’s appointments, PTA meetings, personal errands to run, jot it all down in your weekly calendar so you don’t miss an important one.

So, as you can see from the suggestions listed above, there is no shortage of activities which you can rather do while killing time stuck in traffic. Whether it is in the mornings or evenings, these tasks can help occupy your mind and help you make the most of it. Pick and choose from the list above and never have another dull moment waiting in the car. However, do remember, safety comes first.