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4.1 Introduction
For thousands of years, mankind found ways of transporting themselves for survival. Transportation has always
impacted the way humans interacted with each other. The advent of the automobile revolutionized this
interaction by creating new opportunities that would benefit us economically, socially, and recreationally. As a
result, it changed the American landscape and life as we knew it. The benefits of mobility came with new risks
that also changed the way we viewed transportation. Automobiles gave individuals the power to transport
themselves at unmatched speed and power. In the early 20th century, Americans began to see an increased rate
of traffic deaths and injuries that caused many to express concern. Physicians, safety experts, engineers, and
journalists convened to find out the cause of the accidents, injuries, and deaths that came with all of this traffic.
Cars and their use were given a fresh look, and efforts arose that would retain the right to drive a car while
reducing the tragic consequences of getting behind the wheel. It took decades to design traffic laws that would
control driver behavior and increase safety features that would minimize these risk factors.
In the early 1910s, traffic safety experts brainstormed ways of improving driver behavior. During this decade,
there were increased instances of driver misconduct, such as speeding and reckless driving. Drunk driving was
also a big problem that resulted in multiple collisions and fatalities. Unfortunately, this became a problem for
pedestrians. These new problems required a social response for controlling the way people behaved when they
got in the drivers seat. The National Safety Council further addressed these issues during the 1920s by
compiling accident statistics and holding conferences. They went on a mission to increase public awareness that
would promote careful driving. Early efforts arose to control driver behavior through various traffic laws and
traffic signals. In 1923, Garrett Morgan patented a traffic signal that stopped vehicles in both directions to
change the direction of traffic flow. This developed into what it is commonly known as a stoplight.
Municipalities also introduced strict rules and fines. They also instituted criminal punishment for severe
offenses, such as drunk driving. Americans failed to acknowledge technological flaws until the late 1920s.
Manufacturers eventually addressed design flaws that compromised safety, such as adding four-wheel brakes
and shatter-resistant windshields.
In the 1930s, automakers developed a market response to actively promote new safety features, such as all-steel
frames and hydraulic brakes. Auto makers assured motorists that the automobiles of the time were completely
safe. At the same time, industry representatives argued that licensing drivers, improving roads, and regulating
traffic would prevent accidents. Auto makers failed to install seat belts, energy-absorbing columns, and padded
dashboards even though these devices existed during the 1930s.
During the early 1950s, physicians and university professors introduced a scientific approach to resolving auto
safety problems through crash testing. Crash testing at university sites pinpointed common design flaws. In
addition, crash testing revealed the causes and effects of bodily impact when a collision occurred. These tests
convinced people that seat belts and padded dashboards would decrease the number of fatalities that came with
a head-on collision. Manufacturers introduced those safety features in most cars by 1956.
In the late 1950s to early 1960s, elected officials studied the scientific findings from university crash tests,
which prompted many state legislatures to pass laws that required seat belts and seat belt anchors in new cars.
This new initiative grew into a government response to automobile safety. In 1966, Congress authorized the
federal government to get involved with auto safety standards for new cars. Two years later, seat belts, padded
dashboards, and other safety features became mandatory equipment in all new vehicles.
Motorists defied these traffic safety laws at first; however, by the 1990s, seat belts became widely accepted.
This was due in part to safety campaigns that emphasized the importance of buckling up. In addition, state laws
forced motorists to comply with mandatory seat belt laws. By 1998, the federal government also required every
motor vehicle to have airbags as standard equipment. Auto manufacturers forced technological change that
would make the automobile itself a first line of defense in an accident well into the 21st century.
Rule 6: Instead of seat belts, wear a garland of flowers, or a feng shui amulet which offer better protection.
Rule 7: If you are driving a truck, paint 'No Kiss' or 'Horn Please' on the back
Rule 10: You should only overtake on the right, or the left, or over, or under.
Rule 11: Multi-tasking whilst driving is compulsory. Beginners may drive, chew tobacco/smoke and talk
on the mobile phone. Advanced drivers may do all three plus enjoy a 3-course meal, drink a bottle of local wine, sing a
song and watch a video film.
Rule 12: Signalling before a turn is considered bad fom. Surprises are more fun
Rule 13: When driving at night, headlights should be kept at a) full beam to blind oncoming drivers, or b) switched
off (see reference to 'surprises' in Rule 12)
Rule 14: Checking to see if there is oncoming traffic before overtaking is considered the behaviour of a wimp.
Rule 15: If a road is blocked, the hard shoulder may be used as a road.
Rule 16: If both the road and the hard shoulder are blocked, the pavement may be used as a road
Rule 17: Do not run over pedestrians, roadside vendors, scooters and cyclists, unless necessary.
Rule 18: Drive like yours is the only vehicle on the road, and that no one else exists.
Rule 19: Stopping in the middle of the road to chat to friends, or to relieve oneself, is perfectly okay.
Rule 20: Road signs and road markings are merely municipal decorations and not to be given any attention.
Traffic rules are the rules given by traffic police for the protection or for the safe driving which can prevent accidents.
It is most important rules for the driver to make his/her driving safe. All citizen and drivers should follow traffic rules.
Traffic rules are symbolized by different forms. Here are some of the traffic rules and their symbol:
www.roadtrafficsigns.com
Fig: Turn Right
Fig: No Horn
www.seton.com
Fig: No U-Turn
It indicates that ahead there is a crossroad.
Roads are joint ahead so drive slow.
Source:
cliparts.co
Fig: No Parking
www.123rf.com
Fig: Narrow Road
rayelicious.blogspot.com
Fig: Uneven
Road
Fig: Roadworks
pixabay.com
Fig: Double Curve
Fig: No Entry
Source:
www.drivingtesttips.
1. First of all youll have to go to the transportation office of your area(ekantakuna for Ktm valley.)
and fill up a form. Youll also have to give your medical test there before submitting the form.
2. Then once your form is confirmed then your probably the next day will be the day for your
written exam. If you know the basic rules of road and traffic then this wont be much of a
headache. On the same day in the evening the results will be published and the next day will be
your Trial test.
3. In Kathmandu Trail test is taken in Baneshwor for motorbike apparently. Youll have to go to the
trial test and if you pass then you will issue a chit of clearance.
4. After minimum of one week youll finally have to go to the transportation office sumit the chit,
pay the tax and issue the license.
Note: I issued my license around 2 years back so there might be some slight changes in the procedures.
You cannot renew your IDP, but we can apply for a new permit when necessary.
Apply for an International Driving Permit
For citizens of the United States, the U.S. government requires you apply for an International Driving Permit with
either the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
Again, you must be 18 years old or older with a valid U.S. driver's license to apply for an IDP.
Both agencies thoroughly outline their application requirements on their forms, but basic application instructions
include:
Completing the appropriate IDP application.
AAA application.
AATA application.
Presenting your valid U.S.-issued driver's license.
If the agency allows you to apply by mail, you must send a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license.
Producing (or mailing) 2 photos of yourself.
Payments vary depending on the shipping method, destination, and processing time and are listed on the applications.
Correctly submitting your application.
Generally, you can submit your application and other documents in person or via mail; inquire about online submission options
with the specific agency.
Additionally, you might be able to apply while you're already abroad. Contact the agency for details.
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Avoiding IDP Fraud
Unfortunately, numerous organizations sell fake International Driving Permits, and most of them charge much
more than the regular fee; so, by falling prey to these scam companies, not only will you lose money, but also you'll
end up with a fake documentsomething you don't want to show up with after traveling to your destination country.
Remember, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are
the only organizations approved for issuing IDPs.
If you believe you've been sold a fake International Driving Permit, report the fraud using the FTC Complaint
Assistant.
Learn the Rules of the Road
As a driver in a foreign country, it's crucial you understand the local rules of the road. Naturally, actions like drunk
driving and distracted driving are dangerous anywhere in the world, but what about other specific laws?
Gathering such information from across the globe can seem intimidating, so your safest bet is to check with the
country's embassy or consulates within the United States. You can find the appropriate embassy on the State
Department's guide to Web Sites of Foreign Embassies in the U.S., and if these agencies can't provide you with driving
regulations, they can point you in the direction of where to find them.
Foreign Drivers in the United States
You must have a valid driver license to drive in the United Statesespecially if you plan to rent a car, which is
common among foreign visitors.
However, requirements for holding International Driving Permits and other official documents vary by state; some
require them and some don't. Play it safe by contacting the motor vehicle agency for the state(s) in which you plan to
drive. These agencies also can help you learn the rules of the road while you're here.
Of course, some IDP and other license requirements depend on how long you plan to stay in the U.S.such as, for
example, if you're a short-time visitor versus a non-citizen resident. We'll help you learn the differences on our guide
to driving in the United States.