Mangaluru: 27th National Road Safety Week was inaugurated by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Karnataka bank, P Jayarama Bhat by lighting the traditional lamp at the Police Samudaya Bhavana, Pandeshwar here, on January 12.
Prior to the stage programme a rally was held from the Light house hill to the SP office. The rally was flagged off by the District Minister in-charge, B Ramanth Rai. School children, NCC Cadets, RSP, oil and gas company, traffic wardens and traffic police participated in the rally.
DCP of Crime, Dr Sanjeev Patil welcomed the gathering and said that around 1.25 lakh people die due to traffic related accidents in India. “To stop it, it is time for action,” he said highlighting the tagline of the Road Safety Week – ‘Road Safety, Time for Action’.
Speaking on this occasion, MLA JR Lobo said, “When it comes to traffic sense, there are several problems. People honk their horns recklessly and even traffic police are seen using their mobile phones for several hours. This week should help to provide awareness to sensitize people and the authorities in the issues related to traffic.” He said that accidents were the biggest killers. People needed to show patience on the roads and there was indeed a need for implementing compulsory helmet rule for the pillion rider as well.
Lobo also stressed on the need of parents to guide their children in following the traffic rules. He said, “Many people let their underage children to drive vehicles and then approach me when they are in trouble.”
In-charge Deputy Commissioner of Transport and Senior RTO, G S Hegde said that the government has implemented a database system, which ensures scientific analysis of an accident. The aim of the system is to reduce accidents by 25% within 2020. “10 acres of land is reserved to build an institution so that the driver is trained the right rules of traffic and an automatic driving track is also planned,” he said.
Jayaram Bhat said, “If all traffic rules are followed then accidents cannot happen. Karnataka Bank has always supported the social concerns and we will provide barricades from clock tower to Syndicate Bank.”
SP Dr Sharanappa said, “Traffic rules are strictly followed only by those who have survived an accident. Life is to be lived only once so don’t try to experiment with an accident with the hope of surviving.” He said that one of the most preventable deaths are due to accidents.
Pamphlets on traffic safety and a Road Safety Calendar were released by MLA JR Lobo on this occasion.
DCP Shantharaj, Chief traffic warden, Joe Gonsalves and President of Bus Owners’ Association, Narayana P M were also present.