Patna: District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh, co-chairman of the District Road Safety Committee, flagged off 15 road safety awareness chariots from the Collectorate to promote road safety across Patna. These chariots will educate people in rural and urban areas on traffic rules as part of Road Safety Month, being observed throughout January.
The District Magistrate highlighted the importance of reducing road accidents by creating awareness and ensuring compliance with traffic rules. He directed the District Transport Officer and the Superintendent of Police, Traffic, to organize regular workshops for students, parents, drivers, and vehicle owners. Public participation from all sectors, including transport associations, municipal bodies, schools, and voluntary organizations, was emphasized to make the campaign successful.
The administration has implemented an Integrated Traffic Management System to monitor traffic violations. Over 3,300 CCTV cameras, including red light violation detection, automatic number plate recognition, and speed violation detection cameras, have been installed across 415 locations in the city. These systems are monitored from the Integrated Command and Control Center, which also disseminates safety messages through public address systems at 69 locations.
The District Magistrate stressed the importance of Good Samaritans in providing timely assistance to road accident victims. He assured confidentiality and administrative support to those who help during the golden hour. Special campaigns and workshops are being conducted to honor Good Samaritans and encourage their participation.
Road safety programs include reflective tape checks, eye and health camps for drivers, awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, and intensive vehicle checks for helmet and seat belt usage. Marches, debates, and street plays are also being organized to spread awareness. Strict action is being taken against overspeeding, wrong-side driving, and overloading, with offenders identified through advanced monitoring systems.
Data from World Road Statistics reveals that India accounts for 10 percent of global road accident deaths. In Patna, 415 accidents were reported in 2022, resulting in 196 deaths and 201 injuries. The District Magistrate expressed concern over this alarming trend and urged citizens to follow traffic rules to prevent such incidents.
He addressed issues like road rage, overspeeding, and distracted driving, highlighting the risks associated with modified bikes and competitive driving. Citizens were advised to prioritize safe driving practices, respect pedestrians, and give way to emergency vehicles.
Special emphasis was placed on training programs for drivers, inspections of driving schools, and refresher courses on traffic rules. The District Magistrate also instructed officials to install banners, posters, and hoardings for wider public awareness during Road Safety Month.
On the occasion, officials including the District Transport Officer, District Public Relations Officer, and Additional District Transport Officer were present. The District Magistrate appealed to journalists, social workers, and students to actively participate in the campaign and spread the message of road safety.
