Vizag Police kick off Road Safety Month with helmet rally

Joint collector K.S. Viswanathan flagged off the helmet bike rally from the Kali Mata Temple as part of the Road Safety Month, aimed at promoting responsible road behaviour and reducing the number of accidents through a series of planned programmes and activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Viswanathan urged citizens to act responsibly, follow road safety rules, and actively participate in accident prevention. He said the month-long programme has been designed to create widespread awareness about the dangers of road accidents and safety rules, so that they yield positive results.

The joint collector stressed that curbing the increasing number of road accidents and controlling speed is a collective responsibility.

Transport Department joint commissioner Vaddi Sundar emphasised the need for disciplined road behaviour and importance of wearing seat belts and helmets. He said police department’s work in this direction are proving effective.

Deputy transport commissioner G.C. Rajaratnam told Deccan Chronicle that approximately 72 per cent of accidents and 76 per cent deaths are due to over speeding, driving in the wrong direction, 5 per cent because of drunken driving, and another 5 per cent owing to using mobile phones while driving.

Rajaratnam highlighted the importance of sensitising people in this regard, as many accidents are preventable.
Authorities have planned various activities during the Road Safety Month, including awareness programmes for lorry and auto drivers, medical and health check-ups for drivers, and seminars in colleges and schools, to create awareness among students and children about road safety.