An awareness programme on the theme “Swachhata Pakhwada” to propagate the cause of safer roads for all was held in Khliehriat today to observe the Road Safety Week.
The programme attended by taxi drivers was organised by the office of the District Transport Officer, East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with the district administration, Public Works Department, Police and the Health departments.
Speaking at the programme, District Transport Officer (DTO) R. Hinge stated that there has been an increase in the number of death due to road accidents in the state. He said the observation of Road Safety Week aims at raising awareness and promoting road safety rules and measures, to prevent and reduce road accidents.
He also spoke about mandatory, cautionary and informatory signs that are erected on the side of the roads to provide necessary information on the road ahead and warnings of potential dangers for the safety of road users.
The DTO also appealed to all drivers present at the gathering to strictly adhere to traffic rules and road signs for the smooth flow of traffic and to save lives from the potential risk of accidents. He further informed that as part of the road safety week, awareness programmes will be conducted in different parts of the district till March 31.
Khliehriat Traffic Cell sub-inspector B. Warjri in his speech on traffic rules said that the drivers must have all the legal documents required to drive, such as a valid driving license, vehicle registration certificate, etc. He also appealed to the drivers to check their vehicles before driving to prevent breakdown on the road or accidents. “Driver should obey traffic rules, use parking lights while stopping, avoid overtaking and over-speeding of a vehicle to reduce traffic congestion and prevent road accidents” he added.
Motor Vehicle Inspector, H. Dkhar highlighted on road safety tips and advised drivers to be cautious while driving especially during bad weather, to obey traffic signals, traffic rules and follow the speed limit, to not drink and drive, refraining from using a mobile phone while driving, practice the habit of wearing a seatbelt while driving, to keep a first aid box in the vehicle and to always wear a helmet while riding a two-wheeler, etc.
Others who also spoke were PWD JE T. Dkhar and DTO Enforcement Inspector I. Dkhar.
