Jaipur: A recent survey conducted by students of Kanoria PG College has highlighted significant pedestrian safety issues on major roads in Jaipur. The students examined busy thoroughfares such as JLN Marg, Tonk Road, and Bapu Nagar, identifying blockages that impede pedestrian movement. Their findings revealed that zebra crossings were often obstructed by dividers or vehicles stopping on the markings.
Survey Coverage and Findings
The survey covered pedestrian crossings on JLN Marg, Tonk Road, outside Rajasthan University, Bapu Nagar, Jawahar Circle, and Takht-E-Shahi Road. A total of 111 pedestrian crossings were assessed, of which only 36 had proper markings, while 75 were faded. The types of obstacles identified included barricades, vehicles parked on crossings, faded markings, and blockages due to dividers.
Conducted from February to April, the survey culminated in a report that will be submitted to the state transport department to enforce norms effectively.
Student Insights
Jashandeep Kaur, a BSc Mathematics student at the college, stated, "As part of an internship, we conducted this survey. We checked zebra crossings on key roads and found that at most places, commuters do not stop before the stop line and cover the pedestrian way. At many places, the zebra crossing is not even visible, denying pedestrians their right of way."
Another student, Muskan, also from BSc Mathematics, added, "During the survey, it was very common to see vehicles covering the zebra crossing and two-wheelers rushing to jump traffic signals. When we asked other students why they tend to drive fast, we learned that peer pressure was a factor. Especially boys said that if their friends drove faster, they followed, leading to traffic violations."
The students emphasized that around colleges and educational institutes, young commuters admitted to peer pressure as a reason for not following traffic rules. The report aims to raise awareness and improve pedestrian safety in the city.
