It is an undaunted fact India ranks at one of the highest in deaths caused due to road accidents. Now, the same was also echoed by the World Health Organization report. It was disturbing for us to note that commuters on Indian Roads tend to ignore basic safety measures such as wearing of seat belts, use of helmets, driving within speed limits, following lane discipline, etc.
Ashoka Buildon Ltd, one of India’s largest BOT based highway developers in the country, has initiated a campaign for safety awareness at its toll plazas and project sites. The Campaign titled ‘Road Safety Begins with Me’ focuses on requesting commuters to observe basic safety rules while driving. The Phase 1 of this campaign which begins on 27 June 2014 is scheduled for 7 days at 7 locations which includes Belgaum, Dharwad, Durg, Pune Bhandara, Indore, and Nashik.
To reinforce the message of safety, team Ashoka has lined up activities which include Safety Message Signages at Toll Plazas, Hoardings and also the Toll Tickets with messages. Also, volunteers from the staff members would extend a gentle request to commuters to drive safely. ‘Please wear your seatbelt’, ‘don’t drink and drive’, ‘Please respect speed limits’, ‘Please don’t talk on your cell phone while driving’, will be some of the messages to be used during the campaign which aims to reach out to the thousands of vehicles driving across the highways of Ashoka.
The campaign also involves distribution of keychains especially designed for this purpose to commuters.
Mr. Ashish Katariya, COO Ashoka Buildcon Ltd says, ‘Safety is a collective responsibility and we are trying to encourage commuters to help us in reducing fatalities and accidents on highways. We are laying special stress on use of safety belts, because it is one of the simplest safety measures that can create a huge impact. We are also conducting seminars at schools and villages so as to reach out to as many people as possible. Change will not come overnight, but continual efforts will definitely make a difference.”
