Hassan: To enhance road safety and reduce accidents, the district administration plans to educate professional drivers about traffic regulations and their role in accident prevention through an 1-day programme. The initiative aims to bring together drivers of autorickshaws, taxis, school buses, and other vehicles to raise awareness about proper driving practices.“We conducted orientation programmes, skits, and other modes of programme to sensitise the drivers,” said deputy commissioner KS Latha Kumari. Road accidents claim numerous lives, often resulting from drunken driving, excessive speed, traffic rule violations, and insufficient technical expertise. “We want to protect life by making roads safer,” said the DC, who also chairs the District Road Safety Authority.She noted that many individuals learn driving from unauthorised sources like friends or relatives rather than professional instructors, leading to inadequate technical skills and accidents. Drivers frequently disregard road signage and warning boards. The programme will address these issues to reduce accidents significantly, the DC said.While students, who are future drivers, will have opportunities for proper training, current drivers require immediate attention. Many lack technical proficiency, and this programme will help enhance their skills, the DC said. The district comprises significant national and state highways, with relatively high accident rates. These initiatives aim to improve traffic management. The DC has asked officials to compile data on urban accidents, their causes, and preventive measures implemented.The DC specified that drivers violating rules twice should receive warnings, followed by strict action for subsequent violations. She directed that CCTV cameras at traffic signals must remain operational. Additional cameras should be installed at national highway toll points and strategic locations for speed monitoring. She also ordered the removal of unauthorised roadside boards. The public has welcomed this initiative.Arun, a Sakleshpur resident, emphasised that traffic discipline is crucial for accident prevention. He suggested implementing rigorous driving tests and issuing licences only after thorough skill assessment.Another resident, Harsha, a driver of a tourist vehicle, said that the authorities must ensure pothole-free roads, which also cause accidents. In addition, cattle was another menace that troubles motorists, he said.
