Bansal calls for strict action against overloading, overspeeding & drunk driving
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal instructed the Transport department to take strict action against those who drive under the influence of alcohol, overspeed or overload their vehicles in Uttarakhand. He was speaking at a public road safety awareness programme organised by the Transport Department at Doon Library and Research Centre on Thursday.
The event was aimed at raising public awareness on traffic rules and included a road safety awareness rally in the city. The department also honoured citizens for their contributions to road safety. Vijayashree Joshi received the Good Samaritan award for helping an accident victim near ISBT and ensuring immediate hospital care. She received a symbolic token, a certificate and Rs 5,000. Ashu Kushwaha received the Road Safety Aware Citizen award for spreading traffic rule awareness.
Umeshwar Singh Rawat was awarded for volunteering in the road safety field. Bansal said that while road infrastructure has improved and travel time between cities has reduced, the number of road accidents has increased. He said that this is a matter of concern and must be addressed through awareness. He encouraged schools, colleges, municipal bodies and public places to install signboards to educate people on traffic rules. He urged people to help accident victims and assured that such actions would be recognised under the Good Samaritan initiative.
The regional transport office (Enforcement) Anita Chamola said that road safety is a major concern, with more than 1.5 lakh people dying in accidents in the country every year, most of them young. She discussed the 4E model to improve road safety- Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Emergency Care Services. She said that good roads and vehicles fall under engineering, while education spreads awareness. Enforcement ensures rule violators are penalised and emergency care is crucial for accident victims.
She also shared information about the application process for the Good Samaritan award through the transport office. The department also conducted a road safety rally with participation from two-wheelers, e-autos, e-vehicles, e-bikes, vans, mini buses, school vehicles and pollution checking labs.
