‘Road safety begins with awareness, responsibility’

Srinagar, Nov 20: In response to growing concern over road safety, International Delhi Public School (IDPS), Zakura, organised a comprehensive Road Safety Awareness Programme aimed at fostering a shared sense of responsibility among students, parents, and the wider community.

The event saw participation from dignitaries, parents, students, and school staff, with discussions centred around promoting safe commuting practices and compliance with traffic regulations. The chief guest SSP City Traffic Srinagar Muzaffar Ahmad Shah, emphasised, "Road safety is not just about following rules; it is about valuing life. Parents and teachers must inculcate a sense of responsibility in children to ensure their safety on roads."

ARTO Enforcement Kashmir, Mubashir Jan said that "every citizen has a role in preventing road mishaps. Adhering to traffic laws is not a choice but a duty we owe to ourselves and society,"

"The Motor Vehicle Act is a Benevolent Social legislation designed to protect lives. We must respect it and follow traffic rules to prevent tragedies like the Tengpora Bypass accident which is heart-wrenching and an irrevocable loss,” he added.

He further stressed need for a comprehensive and scientific approach to road safety, adding, "a proper, evidence-based study and research are the need of the hour. Establishing a dedicated transport research institute in collaboration with IITs and IIMs would enable us to achieve result-oriented outcomes. Mere assumptions won't suffice anymore."

Highlighting international benchmarks, he stated, "we need roads designed in line with the Indian Road Congress (IRC) Protocols for safer travel. Additionally, the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety has provided a robust framework to save lives, which is reflected in our National Road Safety Policy and the State Road Policy. However, effective implementation is key."

Mubashir Jan emphasised the importance of a DRSC District Road Safety Committee to ensure better and measurable results. It’s time we prioritise safety on our roads for a secure and prosperous future."

SHO Zakura Police Station, Reshi Khursheed, said, "morality and respect for elders are values that extend to road safety. By fostering discipline and empathy, we can significantly reduce accidents in our community."

Chairman IDPS, Showkat Chowdhary, stressed the institution’s proactive approach, saying, "Our mission is to ensure the safety of every child. Through programs like these, we hope to educate and empower our students and their families to prioritize road safety. We have already given strict directions to all parents, students, and school staff that no minor is allowed to operate any vehicle under any circumstances. Compliance with these rules is non-negotiable, as it directly impacts the safety of our students."

Director Operations, IDPS Society, S.M.F Andrabi, urged parents to reflect deeply on their responsibilities, saying, "We, as parents, must introspect and ask ourselves why such accidents happen. Are we giving enough time and attention to our children? By educating them about road safety and responsible behavior, we can prevent such tragedies and safeguard the future generation."

Principal IDPS, Sheema Manzoor, echoed the sentiments, saying, "Safety begins with awareness. We are committed to providing our students with not just academic excellence but also a safe and secure environment."

Parents who attended the event expressed gratitude, saying, "This initiative is a reminder for all of us to be vigilant and responsible. It is heartening to see the school taking such proactive steps."

Students also shared their learnings, stating, "We learned how small actions, like wearing helmets and avoiding overspeeding, can save lives. This program inspired us to be more mindful on the road."

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by IDPS Administration Officer, Ayesha Saleem, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, parents, and students for their active participation. She reiterated the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible citizens who prioritize safety.