At the ongoing Auto Expo, 2010 in New Delhi, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM)
and its initiative Society of Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE) organized and executed a National Road Safety Week programme – an
awareness activity for operators of one of the most important nerve-line in the
Indian transportation channel – the auto rickshaw. The event’s special guest was capital’s
transport minister, Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, Mr S N Shrivastava, Joint
Commissioner, Delhi Police, Professor Dinesh Mohan, Head, TRIPP, Mr Dilip
Chenoy Director General, SIAM, and Mr. Harjeet Singh, President, SAFE were the other chairpersons at this noble event.
Delhi Transport minister, Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, said “the road
training programmes should be organised more frequently specially for the
drivers, he also said that the auto rickshaws are essential part of Delhi traffic system and their importance would increase
during the upcoming Commonwealth Games”. He revealed government plans of
introducing a policy that will enable Biometric Card holders to be the actual
owners of the auto rickshaws they drive. Lovely also stressed on the need for
better driving experience for the drivers and having GPS installed auto
rickshaws that would be controlled by a centralised call centre for their
movement.
SIAM’s Mr. Dilip Chenoy encouraged all elements of the
automotive industry to come together and work in tandem to realize the vision
of ‘Zero Deaths’ on Indian roads. He said, “Automotive manufacturers, governing
bodies like SIAM, the state Police force and motorists should have an operating harmony
to ensure accident free roads.” Chenoy stressed if we can have individual days
with no road fatalities, why can there not be such days in succession all year
round! He signed off by reminding the gathering about the ‘Zero Death’ vision
for India.
Mr. S N Shrivastava, Joint Commissioner, Delhi Police, saluted the auto
rickshaw drivers who practiced clean driving and did not have any challans
issued against them. He appreciated the efforts invested by Bajaj Auto and
Delhi Police towards their commitment on making the roads safer. “Auto rickshaw
is an indispensable element of transport facilities and there is an imperative
need to improve management and logistical aspects to streamline their operation
and effectiveness to an even greater level,” Shrivastava said. He shared the
concept of Biometric Card that will be issued to the auto rickshaw drivers
after a Police verification process. He affirmed that Delhi Police will work to
its best capacity to ensure safety of road users.
Professor Dinesh Mohan, Head, TRIPP, recommended a move to establish
dedicated government authorized auto rickshaw stands in areas that experience
intense human activity like busy markets, office areas, shopping malls, metro
stations etc. Professor Mohan also said that the CNG three wheeler is least
polluting vehicle in the world.
Mr. Harjeet Singh, President, SAFE, said that “the state infrastructure
is unable to cope with the ever increasing number vehicles on the road. We
believe every accident can be avoided, he said while promoting better driving
practices. Safety of the driver is of prime importance and everyone should
exercise traffic rules as they are for one’s own safety Singh added. He also
said that although self discipline goes a long way in ensuring a safe travel,
one should still always be aware of the activities happening around him. He
urged the gathering to anticipate behavioural problems of other motorists.
National Road Safety Week Programmes are especially designed for the
Traffic Police Officers, DTC Bus Drivers, Three-Wheeler Drivers, Driving School
Trainers, School and College students, with the sole objective to reinforce
them with the overall knowledge on road safety
About SAFE: SAFE (Society of Automotive Fitness & Environment)
organizes Inspection clinics for in-use vehicles and training workshops for
pollution checking technicians in various parts of the country. These
programmes are aimed to create awareness on the importance of regular
maintenance amongst vehicle owners. It is one of the most effective ways to
control emission levels from vehicles in the country. In addition SAFE
organizes seminars with State Government and other stakeholders.
SAFE has also undertaken several initiatives on Road
Safety education of students, drivers, and the public at large. Through Road
Safety Awareness Programmes, SAFE tries to apprise the community on
traffic rules and also inculcate correct and responsible attitude towards
fellow road users.
SAFE is a catalyst in the automobile industry’s endeavor
to fulfill its commitment towards a cleaner and a safer environment and will
continue to support and enhance the industry’s role as a responsible corporate
citizen in the country.
About SIAM: Society
of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is the apex Industry body
representing 44 leading vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. SIAM acts as a medium of communication between the
automobile manufacturers, Government of India and other foreign
organizations.
For more
information, please contact:
Sandipan/ Shashank
Hanmer MS&L
Ph: 011 46517700 / 9811206387