Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 16: Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K V Rajendra, has batted for the inclusion of the need to follow road safety norms and follow road rules in the school curriculum, in view of the rising number of accident cases.

He was speaking after inaugurating a workshop organised in the city by Bengaluru-based Public Affairs Foundation and Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International on Wednesday December 15 on the issue of effective implementation of Motor Vehicles Act 2019 and road safety.

"If we change the way we behave on the roads, properly follow road rules and be careful on the roads it is possible to avoid accidents from happening. The district administration has taken this issue very seriously and road safety committee meetings will be convened regularly," he said. He also revealed that there is a move to prepare a handbook on Road Safety and Motor Vehicles Act with the support of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry and distribute the same to students by January 2022.

CUTS International's director, George Cherian, said that it has been two years since the revised Motor Vehicles Act was implemented in the country and noted that there has not been an appreciable reduction in the number of accidents. He felt that there is need to educate officials about the implementation of the new act and the people about the need to follow the law. He said that because of these things, CUTS has been organizing awareness workshops in various places in the country.

Ideas on various issues were exchanged on the occasion. Zilla panchayat chief executive officer Dr Kumar delivered the valedictory address. Director of Public Affairs Foundation, Dr Annapoorna Ravichander, welcomed, presented the programme, and proposed vote of thanks.