In a remarkable display of unity and commitment to road safety, Pune city witnessed its first-ever Mega Road Safety Walkathon on the last day of the Ministry's National Road Safety Month. The event, organised by the NGO Drive Smart, Drive Safe, garnered massive support from over 1350 citizens, including school children, creating a powerful movement for awareness and positive change. The initiative also marked the inception of hundreds of Drive Safe Clubs in schools, colleges, and corporate campuses across the city.
Flagged off by key figures such as Shrikant Borte, DCP, Traffic Police Pune, Rama Shankar Pandey, CEO Tata Green Batteries, Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, and other prominent personalities, the event aimed to promote a collective sense of responsibility towards road safety.
A Mass Pledge of the 8 Point Road Safety Code of Conduct was a significant part of the walkathon, emphasising the need for responsible driving behaviour and adherence to road safety norms. The event was held on the concluding day of the National Road Safety Month, as announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The campaign, titled 'India Against Road Crash, season 2024,' has a comprehensive objective to increase awareness about road safety, encourage responsible driving behaviour, and ultimately reduce the number of road accidents. The success of such initiatives relies on collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community organisations, industries, and academic institutions.
Supported by various organisations like ACMA, ASDC, ARAI, AISSMS, ASC, AITWA, BOCI, FICCI_FLO, CIRT, Pune City Traffic, Pune Metro, NDRF, Ranjangaon Industries Association, SAE India & ASC, the campaign has gained momentum with partnerships from Tata Motors, Tata Autocomp, Tata Green Batteries, and Continental India.
One of the highlights of the event was the encouragement for young Indians to engage with Safe Bikers club members and Helmet Man of India, promoting safer road behaviour through self-discipline and commitment to the 'step donation.'
Over 1350 volunteers were inducted as Road Safety Warriors during the walkathon, pledging to start Drive Safe clubs in their organisations within the next 12 months. The initiative aims to channelize these resources to bring about positive transformation in Pune City’s traffic sense.
Addressing the alarming statistics of road accidents in India, Rama Shankar Pandey, Chairman, Aftermarket Committee, ACMA, and CEO, Tata AutoComp GY Batteries Pvt Ltd, emphasised the importance of community involvement in road safety initiatives. He stated, 'Road safety is the responsibility of each and every individual. We need to involve the community in road safety initiatives by collaborating with schools, colleges, and local organisations to raise awareness.'
Shyam Singh, Plant Head, Pune - Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd, emphasised the principle of self-enforcement as a core element of road safety success. He stated, 'We will be safe with self-enforcement; our society and our country will be safe.'
Dr Reji Mathai, Director ARAI, highlighted the impact of road safety on all individuals, emphasising the need to prioritise safety over other aspects.
Sashikant Borate, DCP, Traffic Police, praised the initiative, expressing hope for a nationwide effort towards safer roads. He emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of responsible driving, empathy, and awareness, stating, 'Road safety is not just about following traffic rules; it's about cultivating a culture of responsible driving, empathy, and awareness.'
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