Media Release
Udupi, Jul 13: In an age when road accidents have increased enormously and lives are lost mercilessly, it is high time we be careful and cautious when we walk or ride, drive or travel on the road.
According to data available with SP of Udupi, 1.5 lac people die in road accidents in India every year. As many as 130 people have lost their lives in Udupi roads in the bygone 6-7 months this year. That is why the honourable High Court of Karnataka recently pulled up Udupi district administration for the increase in number of road accidents. The administration has since then, taken Road Safety Awareness programmes seriously in schools, colleges and public places.
Milagres School took upon itself the task of instilling road safety by organising a three-day celebration and awareness programme called 'Road Safety Week' for students and school van drivers of the vicinity on July 13. First two days of the celebration prepared the students for the final address by SI of Malpe. An Art Exhibition on Road Safety kept the students alert and active. Charts displayed on corridors of the school invited them to pay attention to a serious issue. Students were expected to observe the charts and learn.
Madhu B E, sub inspector of Malpe police station graced the concluding programme as chief guest. He spoke to students and van drivers on the causes for accidents and calamities at length and stressed the need to be cautious while on the road because accidents are not only caused because of negligent drivers and travellers but also pedestrians who do not pay attention to walking on footpaths. Van drivers were instructed on the strictness of following rules regarding number of people based on seating capacity, helmet rule, pedestrian walking, careful crossing of the road, speed limit and concern for others.
In his presidential remarks, Fr Lancy Fernandes SJ, principal stressed the need to slow down and not hurry with life. Protection and appreciation of the preciousness of life begins with self and others. Families must not get to face heart-breaking experiences through loss of their loved ones because of negligent driving of few.
In preparation for this occasion, one part of the school wall near student and staff parking has been painted with inspiring messages on the subject of Road Safety like - 'Donate blood, but not on the roads," etc.
The programme began with a prayer song by the High School students.
Soumya of std VIII compered the programme and Treeshma of std VIII welcomed the gathering. About 600 students attended the session.