A car rally on the theme, ‘Safe Driving Habits’ was held in Khliehriat today participated by bikers, cyclists and drivers from different associations of the district.
The event was organised by the East Jaintia Hills District Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and the District Transport Officer.
Chief Judicial Magistrate cum Secretary DLSA, Khliehriat D.S. Marbaniang and Deputy Commissioner E. Kharmalki flagged off the rally which started from Destination Hotel, Mookhep to Byndihati and back to Khliehriat Higher Secondary School.
After the rally, an awareness programme on safe driving habits was also held at the school campus.
In his address, Marbaniang informed that the objective of the rally is to create awareness on how to drive and ride responsibly. “Let us inculcate this habit of good and safe driving, to drive responsible and to be responsible for the other person who is driving towards you”, he said. He also urged upon the people to guide, educate and to set an examples for others on the importance of safe driving habits and obeying the traffic rules.
He also gave a brief statistics and report of the number road accidents, crashes and the fatalities cause due to accident in the country.
East Jaiñtia Hills Motor Vehicle Inspector, F. Shadap highlighted on road safety measures. He urged drivers to always follow the traffic rules and signals which include mandatory sign and warning signs on the road side so as to avoid paying fines, penalties and also to prevent road accidents. He also requested the people to not use LED bulbs and to remove tinted films from their vehicles as it is banned by the Supreme Court. He also suggested that vehicles should have reflective stickers/ tapes on their back as it would be helpful in minimizing the possibility of accidents at night.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, J. S. Mairom also urged people to practice safe driving habits by avoiding overtaking, to park vehicles in the parking area, importance of helmets and seat belts, obeying traffic rules and police signal.
Among others who also spoke during the programme include Dr. D. Shylla, District Medical and Health Officer, J. Tariang, EE, PWD (Roads), NEC Khliehriat and D. Diengdoh, Vice Principal, Jaiñtia Eastern College.
The participants of the rally include Jaintia Cycling Forum Jowai, Little Star School, Jaintia Eastern College, Riders Tribe from Rymbai, Tuber Bikers and Tours Association, EJAMSA Khliehriat, Cement Plants of East Jaintia Hills District, Lad Rymbai Indica Association, East Jaintia Taxi Owner and Driver Association, East Jaintia Hills District Tourist Taxi Association and Friends Ride from Jowai.
Prizes and certificates were also distributed to the winners of the Slogan and Essay competitions. Awards were also given to the Best Customized Car and Best Customized Bikes who participated in the rally.
The other highlights of the programme include, free medical eye check up carried out by Bansara Eye Care Centre, Shillong and distribution of pamphlets containing important guidelines for drivers and pedestrians.
