New Delhi, Jan 14: Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari has called upon the citizens and NGOs to participate in the national campaign on Road Safety to create awareness about road safety issues in the country.
While addressing the Road Safety Forum 2016, the national meet of NGOs on Road Safety, in New Delhi today, he said over 5 lakh road accidents in the country per year in which about 1.4 lakh people lose their lives, Gadkari said that containing road accidents and saving lives is not possible by the government alone – it needs the support of the citizens, the NGOs and the media in this regard.
He called upon the NGOs to give their suggestions on issues related to road safety, and assured them that the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will take these up in a suitable manner. He especially urged the organizations to help the government in its efforts to identify accident black spots across the country, so that the concerned authorities can be asked to take remedial action to make the sites safe.
Gadkari said that the present system of issuing driving licenses will soon be replaced by a transparent and efficient computerized licensing system. He further informed that driving schools are being opened across the country to train drivers. Fitness of drivers is another major concern that the Government will be addressing. Gadkari said that over 3000 centres will be set up in rural areas to train drivers and address fitness related issues.
He also said that roadside amenities will be equipped with helipads for quick transfer of accident victims to hospitals and all busy traffic corridors will have trauma centres along the highways.
He said a train will be run across the country with exhibition on road safety to create awareness on the subject.
The minister also announced that a scheme will be worked out to provide NGOs working in the field of the road safety with Rs. 3 lakh financial support. Awards will also be instituted for the best performing NGOs.
Gadkari also launched a Facebook page on road safety, termed as Road Safety: Time for Action. The page will be a platform for discussion on various issues related to road safety and the wide array of work being done in this area.
The Minister also gave prizes to winners of a contest on films on road safety
