Shillong, Aug. 29: In compliance with the directives of the Supreme Court of India, the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Tura had issued directives and advisories to all departments and stakeholders for road safety measures as per the Action Plan prepared by the Transport Department, Government of Meghalaya on Road Safety and Security for the welfare of the pedestrians and commuters as well as general public.
In view of the formation of Road Safety Committees at various schools and colleges in the district, the District School Education Officer (DSEO) and District Mission Coordinator in charge SSA and Principals of all schools and colleges are directed to constitute committee members in their respective schools and colleges at the earliest. The DSEO is further directed to collaborate with educational institutions to arrange time slots for organizing awareness programs on road safety during various exhibitions and competitions to be held in the schools.
Further, the Deputy Commissioner has also instructed the DSEO and SDSEOs to organize quiz, debates, essay writing, poster/sticker campaigns, singing competition, street plays and flash mobs both at the school and college level in all the districts which can be funded from the Chief Minister’s Youth Development Scheme (CMYDS).
A 365 day safety campaign would be launched to generate Road Safety awareness among the people and therefore, the District Transport Officer (DTO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tura Municipal Board has been directed to organize awareness programs in Super Market, Ringrey Marketing Hub, Nazing Bazaar and Nakham Bazaar areas of the town.
Since two wheelers are involved in 25 per cent of the accidents, the State will focus on bike riders through a special awareness campaign and hence the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills and District Transport Officer are directed to continue with their mobile courts and random checking of vehicles besides organizing public awareness campaigns.
A special “Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign”, “Hazards of Over- Speeding and Drunken Driving” and workshop for taxi operators and drivers will also be organize in partnership with the Transport, Traffic and Police department. In order to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road traffic Victims, the transport department will organize a Candle Light Vigil along with the families of the deceased.
The District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) and Superintendent, Tura Civil Hospital has been instructed to follow the guidelines of Good Samaritan which was issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways to provide legal protection to bystanders who come to the aid and rescue victims of road accidents and also strengthen the emergency units and trauma care centers’ at the hospital premises and honour those who selflessly help road accident victims.
Moreover, the State Legal Services Authority will also organize Legal awareness seminar on different sections of the Law pertaining to the Motor Vehicle Act.
In addition to these, the Meghalaya Integrated Information System have been instructed to flash messages and information on road safety on LED Panels while media team from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong will prepare a 60 minute film clipping on Road Safety.
