Patna: The Bihar transport department, in collaboration with the Bihar Road Safety Council, has launched a phased training programme to promote safer driving practices among vehicle operators across multiple sectors.
The initiative began on Tuesday with a special training session at Vishveshwarya Bhavan, where around 329 drivers employed by government departments and those engaged through outsourcing agencies participated. The programme aims to familiarise drivers with traffic signs, road markings and essential safety regulations through structured sessions led by expert trainers.
According to the transport department, the training will be conducted throughout the month and expanded in phases to include auto-rickshaw, bus and truck drivers, as well as those associated with app-based aggregator services such as Ola and Uber.
Raj Kumar, Bihar’s transport secretary, said the initiative was designed to build a systematic understanding of traffic rules and responsible driving behaviour among different categories of drivers. He emphasised that sustained training and awareness were as critical as enforcement in reducing road accidents.
During the sessions, drivers were trained in recognising traffic signals and signs, lane discipline, adherence to speed limits, safe overtaking practices and the protection of pedestrians. Trainers also emphasised the mandatory use of helmets and seatbelts and highlighted the risks associated with using mobile phones while driving.
Special emphasis was placed on vehicle fitness, avoiding driving while fatigued, responding responsibly in emergencies and adopting a humane approach on the road. Trainers used real-life examples to demonstrate how minor lapses in attention could lead to serious accidents.
The transport department said the programme reflected a broader effort to curb road fatalities by encouraging behavioural change among drivers. Officials reiterated that compliance with traffic rules was not merely a legal obligation but a shared responsibility to protect lives.
Drivers have been encouraged to actively participate in the training sessions and incorporate road safety practices into their daily routines, as the state seeks to make its roads safer for all users.
