Mangalore, Jan 21: Emphasising the need for road safety while driving on the streets, Inspector-General of Police (Western Range) C H Pratap Reddy said that the highest number of deaths in the world occurring due to road accidents took place in India.
Speaking at the inaugural programme of 25th National Road Safety Week – 2014 organised by Dakshina Kannada district administration, transport department and police department at Town Hall here on Tuesday, he said that road safety was a year-round exercise, which was the duty of every citizen. “In the western range of Karnataka State Police, a total of 797 deaths due to road accidents were reported in 2013, while the figure was 702 in 2012. Despite the increase in number of deaths, road accidents will continue to rise if we do not follow traffic and road safety rules while driving on the roads. Accidents can be prevented if all join their hands towards this effort,” he said.
He said that we had the prospect of driving faster on roads today due to better roads and availability of better vehicles. “However, until we instil road safety in our daily lives, we cannot prevent accidents.
In his inaugural speech, chairman of Karnataka Bank Ltd Ananthakrishna said that the three things important with regard to road safety were good condition of roads, vehicles and observance of rules. Citizens, government and officers play an equal role in maintaining safety on the roads. Proper planning has to be done with regard to construction of roads and footpaths so that they remain in good condition, he said.
“It is our responsibility to observe and follow rules, which are made for our own safety. We have to be regular in observing the road safety rules to avoid accidents,” he said.
Mangalore South MLA J R Lobo also spoke on the occasion.
Traffic control officer Gajendra sang songs on traffic regulation and road safety. A group of MSW students from St Aloysius College performed a play to bring awareness on road safety.
Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Afzal Ahmed Khan welcomed the gathering.
DK Superintendent of Police Shantanu Sinha, deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) D V Jagadish, Karnataka State Bus Operators Association K Rajavarma Ballal, KCCI president Mohammed Amin, Kaassistant regional transport officer G S Hegde and others were present.
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