HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Traffic Police, besides trying to drive some sense into motorists and car drivers in the city, are also imparting driving skills to women, for free at that. Teenagers, middle-aged and even women aged above 40 are enrolling for their driving classes, which are being conducted in collaboration with Honda.
A little over 500 women have been trained by the traffic police since April. The training is imparted at the Traffic Training Institute, Goshamahal, using simulators. Later, the women are taught the skills on-field on a bike. However, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Jitender said the programme serves as an introduction to driving, and stressed that one should undergo further training under expert guidance, before hitting the road.
Also, there is a rider to it. Only those who know how to ride a bicycle are eligible for the training classes. Besides, one has to be aged 18 or more. Inspector of the Traffic Training Institute M Srinivasulu said approximately 10 women a day approach for the programme.
Though the training is only for a few hours, the police said a trainee can choose to train for one or two more days if interested. Apart from simulators and on-field training, theory class on traffic rules will also be imparted. “It takes three weeks to learn driving. One has to understand the vehicle, how to balance it, traffic signals, size of traffic etc,” Jitender said.
A woman and a man will provide guidance. Support for the entire training is provided by Honda, said M R Anupama, safety instructor, on behalf on Honda.
The fun of Learning
Over 500 women have been trained since April
Classes offered by Hyderabad Traffic Police in collaboration with Honda
Bike driving skills are imparted through simulators and on-field training
Programme only an introduction to driving, one has to undergo further training
Training provided at Traffic Training Institute, Goshamahal