CHENNAI: With as many as 3,420 road accidents in the city in the last six months, of which around 590 were fatal, the police are keen on bringing down these figures.
Commissioner AK Viswanathan along with other senior officials, including Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Abay Kumar Singh, conducted a road safety awareness campaign in the city. This comes five days after the police released a video that features noted singer Gana Bala to spread awareness on road safety rules and stress the role of negligence leading to accidents.
A senior traffic police officer pointed out that two road accident deaths are reported in the State on average every day and around 17 such deaths reported across the country.
Attributing the increase in death to the rise in the number of vehicles, the officer said there are 2.3 crore vehicles and around 1.5 two-wheelers in the State.
On Sunday, the traffic awareness programme included the distribution of pamphlets with road safety tips for the public at more than 100 traffic signals in the city.
The police commissioner, who inaugurated the programme at T Nagar, handed over roses to those who obey traffic rules. In the previous programme, Gana Bala had made a video on real-life road accidents and their consequences.
The officer also pointed out that juvenile deaths in road accidents have reduced. “Though the police also check on juvenile riding motorbikes and cars, the parents also have an equal role to play, by not allowing minors to ride vehicles,” the officer added.
Road safety tips
1. Be cautious while in car or on motorbike
2. Do not drink and drive
3. Obey traffic rules
4. Do not use mobile phone while driving
5. Wear a helmet
6. Only two people can travel on a motorbike
7. Do not over speed
8. Always give way to pedestrians
9. Before driving, ensure...
i) The vehicle is licensed
ii) It has a valid insurance policy
iii) You have valid and appropriate licence to drive
10. Do not allow juveniles to ride vehicles