Every driver of a motor vehicle at the approach of any unguarded railway level crossing shall cause the vehicle to stop and the driver of the vehicle shall cause the conductor or cleaner or attendant or any other person in the vehicle to walk up to the level crossing and ensure that no train or trolley is approaching from either side and then pilot the motor vehicle across such level crossing, and where no conductor or cleaner or attendant or any other person is available in the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle shall get down from the vehicle himself to ensure that no train or trolley is approaching from either side before the railway track is crossed.
Simplified Explanation
Section 131 of the Motor Vehicles Act focuses on the specific duties and precautions that drivers must observe when approaching and crossing unguarded railway level crossings. This section is vital for preventing accidents at railway crossings, which can be particularly severe and often fatal. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Section 131 mandates that drivers approaching an unguarded railway level crossing must take specific precautions to ensure safety. Since these crossings are not monitored by signals or railway crossing guards, the responsibility falls on the driver to avoid collisions with trains.
Key Points of Section 131:
- Approaching the Crossing:
- Drivers must slow down when approaching an unguarded railway crossing. This gives them adequate time to look and listen for any oncoming trains.
- Visibility and Audibility:
- It is essential that the driver ensures that their view is not obstructed and that they can clearly see both directions along the railway tracks. They should also be able to hear any approaching trains, which means reducing any noise inside the vehicle, like loud music, that could drown out the sound of a train.
- Stopping Before Crossing:
- The law may require drivers to come to a complete stop at the crossing and proceed only after ensuring that no train is approaching. This stopping is crucial especially if the view is not clear or if weather conditions reduce visibility.
- Crossing Safely:
- Once sure that no trains are approaching and it is safe to do so, drivers should cross the tracks without stopping. They should also ensure that they have sufficient space to completely clear the crossing without having to stop on the tracks.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Failure to adhere to these precautions can result in fines, penalties, or more severe charges if non-compliance leads to an accident.
- Educational Campaigns:
- Authorities often run educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of unguarded railway crossings and to reinforce the behaviors expected of drivers under Section 131.
Importance of Section 131:
- Preventing Accidents: This section helps prevent accidents at railway crossings, which are among the most catastrophic collisions involving vehicles.
- Safety Awareness: Raises driver awareness about the specific risks associated with unguarded railway level crossings.
- Legal Enforcement: Supports law enforcement efforts in reducing and penalizing risky behaviors at railway crossings.
This section of the Motor Vehicles Act plays a critical role in safeguarding public safety by outlining necessary precautions for navigating one of the more hazardous aspects of road use. By mandating strict adherence to these safety measures, the act aims to reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents at unguarded railway crossings.
