Awareness drive begins for inter-state vehicle drivers to curb accidents

Ranchi: In a move to reduce accidents, the road safety lead agency under the transport department has started an awareness campaign near a check post in Chirkunda on the border with West Bengal. The move aims to educate drivers about safety norms and traffic rules in the state.
The agency is likely to soon conduct similar exercises at Behragora and Chauparan for vehicles coming from and moving towards Odisha and Bihar. At Chirkunda, pamphlets are being distributed among drivers of inter-state vehicles to educate them about the ill effects of speeding, overloading, use of helmet and seat belts, vehicle fitness, passage to emergency vehicles and other rules.
A pamphlet stated that speeding has led to 88% of road accidents in the state and it would incur a fine between 1000 and 2000. Speeding or racing on road could lead to a fine of 5000 or imprisonment of upto three months or both. Driving under the influence of drug or alcohol would attract either a fine of 15,000 or imprisonment of six months or both. Plans are afoot to play audio messages on safety norms.
Joint transport commissioner Pradeep Kumar said “We are requesting drivers to read the pamphlet aloud to their passengers as well.”
Kumar said, “Vehicles found violating norms are also being fined. A motor vehicle inspector has been deputed on the spot. Soon, homeguards would also be posted.”