Lane discipline

While driving on the Parliament Road recently, I saw a new traffic board erected by the Police which proclaimed that the 'Lane Discipline Law is Active'. This naturally begs the question as to why the law was not in effect all this time, but as the saying goes "better late than never". This was a long felt need, an essential step to streamline the flow of traffic which is mostly horrendous in Colombo.

Actually, this is not the first time that the lane law was practised in this country. It has been in effect for a few years on the Colombo-Katunayake normal road (not the Expressway), where vigilant policemen book drivers of trucks, buses and three wheelers which occupy the fast lane even briefly. The presence of slow moving vehicles on the right lane is a hindrance to faster vehicles such as cars, SUVs and pick-up trucks. Since most drivers of slow moving vehicles on this road have now learned not to cross lines, so to speak, the hard way, the drive is mostly smooth and hassle free for other motorists. Even if one does not use the Expressway, it is still possible to take the normal road and go to the airport on time thanks to the lane discipline observed on this road.

Priority

The Police should have introduced the same process to other roads in all provinces much sooner. The Western Province has the highest number of vehicles so priority should be given to implementing the lane discipline laws there first. If motorists know that the Police are very strict about lane discipline, they will drive carefully. Right now, the Police usually book drivers who cross the single or double continuous white line (in doing so, the motorist actually uses the lane reserved for oncoming traffic), but when the lane discipline law is strictly implemented, they can take action against motorists who do not stick to the correct lane even on their side of the road.

However, motorists will need a little time - and guidance - to take it in. Over time, laws become second nature to people and they adhere to them without thinking twice. The seat belt law is a good example. Now everyone buckles up before they begin to drive, without necessarily thinking about the police or the law itself. All motorists observe the pedestrian-crossing laws now, because it is more or less ingrained in their minds.

The police seem to be doing a good job with the new lane discipline laws, by placing boards that urge motorists to stick to the proper lanes and also warnings such as 'right lane must turn right' and 'left lane must turn left' (so that those who want to go straight will avoid that lane and use the middle or left lane).

Destination

This is essential because some motorists do not plan ahead with regard to the lane they have to travel to reach a particular destination. For example, it generally makes sense to be on the right lane if you want to turn right. We have seen plenty of motorists who try to turn right from the left lane and also others who want to go straight but stay on the right lane. When they realize they are on the incorrect lane, they hastily try to turn to the other lane, which blocks those who want to go straight when the lights turn green. Thus, from a motorist's point of view, it makes sense to know exactly where you are going and which lanes will take you there faster. A little bit of planning can take away a lot of hassle.

Annoying

The other annoying factor is that many motorists, especially three wheeler drivers and motorcyclists, switch lanes abruptly without signalling, which can cause an accident because the drivers following behind get no clue at all about such an intention until the very last second. Signalling is a must when switching lanes and the failure to do so is considered an offence in many countries. Worse, many three wheeler drivers make U-turns without signalling at all, which is highly dangerous since traffic on both sides of the road is affected. The police should keep an eye on such activities too.

Technology can also help motorists to keep to their lanes. Many new premium cars have pre-installed Lane Departure Warning Systems which gives visible and audible warnings to drivers if they stray to another lane without signalling first. These cars have cameras which scan the road ahead and provide feedback to the vehicle's onboard computers which deliver this crucial message to the driver. The technology is now filtering down to more mainstream cars as an optional feature as manufacturers realize economies of scale. Motorists should check whether their new cars have this important feature at the point of ordering or purchase, because it really can save lives.

Congested

In the near future, cars and interactive road signs will be able to communicate with each other and once you input the destination, the car will be able to 'talk' to the traffic signs and get a less congested route. This will also minimize or traffic accidents as computers do not get tired or dizzy even after 'driving' or long periods.

They are not likely to switch lanes accidentally and cause an accident. The most ideal scenario is an 'intelligent' driving environment in smart cities and urban areas where autonomous cars and interactive road signs take you safely to your destination. This is likely to happen in around 20 years and some of us will be around to experience the ride.

In the meantime, it is up to us to maintain lane discipline on our congested roads. The police cannot be everywhere and it defeats the very purpose of the law if we stick to the lanes only in fear of the police.

The law has been implemented for the protection of all road users including pedestrians. It is in our best interest to literally know where we are going and plan ahead.