Road sign literacy still low amongst Indian two-wheeler riders, finds Honda

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) did a nationwide ‘Honda Road Sign IQ Survey’ for the first time in India to recognize the level of awareness of road safety signs amongst the two-wheeler riders in India. There were almost 1500 two-wheeler riders across 10 cities who were a part of the ‘Road Sign IQ Survey’. Honda has taken this initiative to educate people on road safety across the country during their National Road safety week 2017.

According to the survey, 78% of Indian two-wheeler riders cannot recognise even 50% of the road signs.  Mumbai and Pune were exceptions, with 79 % of Mumbaikars able to recognise half the signs while 63 % of Punekars could recognise the same. Only 41% of the people from Bengaluru could recognise half the given signs.

Nearly 80% of Indian 2Wheeler riders are still un-aware about the difference between cautionary and mandatory road signs. Indian women were recognized as more road sign literate than their male counterparts, nationally, 26% of women interviewed recognised half the road signs, while the figure for men was 21%.

Explaining the survey findings, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said “With a new two-wheeler coming on Indian roads every 2 seconds, ‘Safety for Everyone’ is Honda’s priority as a responsible corporate. Honda Road Sign IQ survey re-affirms that there is an urgent need to invest in behavioural change in Indian mind-sets through road safety education.”

Within the age groups, 20 to 24 year olds are most aware of the national road signs (31% aware of half the signs) while only 18% of the respondents in 25 to 44 age bracket could identify half the road signs. Interestingly, 30% those over 45 of years could also identify half the signs. Majority 63% of the riders interviewed said that they wear helmet for their own safety. However, 55% riders risk their lives by not wearing helmet when they are pillions.

There is an apparent gap between what riders know, and what they should know to be competent to ride on our streets. Honda’s survey proves that there needs to be stricter theoretical testing before licenses are handed out to applicants.

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