SHILLONG: Chief Secretary Y Tsering has laid emphasis on the need for following traffic rules, like avoiding talking on the phone, using seat belts and riders wearing helmets, to reduce the number of road accidents.
Addressing a gathering at the concluding ceremony of the 30th National Road Safety Week at U Soso Tham auditorium on Monday, Tsering said globally every year, millions of people die or get injured in road accidents.
He pointed out that most of the accidents occur due to non-adherence to safety norms and awareness on traffic rules while driving or riding is the need of the hour. It is important to refrain from using mobile phones while driving, wear seat belts and riders and pillion-riders should wear helmets, he added.
Tsering also added that it is the responsibility of the drivers, pedestrians and lawmakers to work collectively to improve road safety by applying simple rules.
MR Synrem, Commissioner and Secretary in the Transport Department, said the department is in the process of creating a short video on road safety which will be played in all local cinemas. “Creating awareness on road safety is an ongoing process,” he added.
Later, the Chief Secretary administered the road safety pledge to everyone present during the programme.
Others who spoke on the occasion include East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner MW Nongbri and DSP Traffic WM Momin. The week-long observation of National Road Safety Week centered on the theme Sadak Suraksha-Jeevan Raksha.
