Child Safety on Roads: Essential Tips for Parents

Child Safety on Roads: Essential Tips for Parents

Child Safety on Roads: Essential Tips for Parents

A couple in Bengaluru were filmed travelling on a two-wheeler with their child standing on the footstep, leading to criticism and official action. This incident highlights a wider issue of endangering children’s safety on roads like carrying them without seatbelts, not using child helmets, speeding with kids onboard or crossing roads unsafely. Below are some tips from your perspective on how we can make our children safer while they are on the road.
  1. Give Your Child A Proper Helmet: Teach them why it is important to always wear a properly fitting helmet when riding a bicycle, or skateboard. Ensure that every time they participate in wheeled activities the helmet used meets safety standards and is worn properly.
  2. Teach Them The Basics Of Road Safety: From an early age educate your kids about traffic signs, signals and pedestrian crossings. Do practice exercises where you look left and right before crossing while waiting for the green light representative.
  3.  Keep An Eye On Them When They Are Playing Near Roads:Advise them to play in areas specifically designated for this purpose and far from any motor vehicle traffic. Supervise infants closely around driveways, parking lots and roads so as to prevent any accidents occurring.
  4. Have Clear Rules And Boundaries At All Times: Make it known that there should be no compromise when it comes to safety on roads i.e.; holding hands while crossing streets or walking along highways without sidewalks among others.Inform children about places which might be safe for playing games outside so they do not go wandering
  5. Always adhere to traffic rules, fasten your seatbelt while driving, and ensure that children are also securely strapped in with seat belts or child restraint systems. Remember, your children look up to you, so set a positive example as a responsible drive.
  6. Increase Visibility:Dress kids in bright clothing that can be seen easily, especially when it’s dark or they’re walking or cycling near roads. Use reflective stickers or accessories on backpacks, clothes or bikes to Model Safe Behavior. Be a good example and follow the traffic rules yourself, such as wearing seat belts, using pedestrian crosswalks, and obeying the signals.Tell them why they need to practice safety precautions and always demonstrate it for them.
  7. Awareness of Potential Hazards: Discuss age-appropriate road hazards with children like over-speeding cars, drivers who are not paying attention and cannot see them (blind spots). Teach children how to be careful and watchful particularly when they are in unknown areas where there is a lot of movement from vehicles on busy streets.
  8. Safe Walking and Riding Practices:Educate kids on riding bicycles, scooters or skateboards within designated lanes or away from traffic if possible. It is advisable to walk in groups or with adults using sidewalks or footpaths.
    Conclusion By following these simple but effective suggestions while instilling an attitude of safety consciousness early enough; we can greatly minimize the dangers faced by young people while out playing along the highways. Knowledge empowers and habits keep safe; therefore let us give our children all necessary information concerning this matter so that we create an environment where everybody feels secure about their lives, even those of others too.
Road Accidents are a Major Cause of Concern in Madhya Pradesh

Road Accidents are a Major Cause of Concern in Madhya Pradesh

Road Accidents are a Major Cause of Concern in Madhya Pradesh

West Bengal

Madhya Pradesh is among the top 5 states that recorded the highest number of accidents and fatalities in 2020.

In the year 2020, 45,266 road accidents took place in the state of Madhya Pradesh as per the MoRTH report on road accidents in India in which 11,141 people were killed. Also as per this report Madhya Pradesh topped amongst the states in terms of number of accidents since 2016.

Recently, 14 people including two children were killed and 17 were injured in different districts of Madhya Pradesh as per the media reports. The Govt. of India is committed in reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2024. The Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019 is one of the big steps to reduce road fatalities and strengthen the much awaited road safety legislative framework in India.

The MVA Act 2019 addresses not only key road safety risk factors but also brought much desired improvement in the transport sector, licensing, bringing citizen facilitation, transparency, and reducing corruption with the help of information technology and removing intermediaries. The Act will strengthen public transport, safeguard and protect Good Samaritan and bring in reforms in the insurance and compensation regime.

But unfortunately, the State of Madhya Pradesh has not yet implemented this Act fully, despite being the number 2 state in terms of number of road fatalities.  Proper implementation of MVAA 2019 will be crucial for achieving the “Vision Zero” being implemented by the Transport department of MP. We expressed our concerns and approached the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon. Transport Minister of Madhya Pradesh in this regard by writing letters and seeking appointments

Social Media Support to strengthen road safety in the state of Madhya Pradesh through implementation of MVAA 2019

We are continuing our efforts to sensitize policy makers to strengthen Road Safety in the state of Madhya Pradesh by notification of Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 to save precious lives. We are using social media platforms to gather support in this regard by tagging the relevant stakeholders.

https://twitter.com/ConsumerVoiceIn/status/1552208848731389954

Road Safety
Road Safety
Helmet Saves Lives

Helmet Saves Lives

Helmet Saves Lives

Army

As per Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) report, more than 39000 people lost their lives in 2020 as they did not wear helmets. Head injuries are a major cause of death, injury and disability among users of motorized two wheel vehicles.

Riders who do not wear helmets are always at risk of suffering fatal road injuries. A helmet keeps your head safe from injury. Full face helmet also protects your eyes.

Penalty Provision

If the rider is found wearing a helmet with the straps untied, a fine of Rs 1,000 can be charged. Moreover, if a rider wears a helmet that does not have a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification or the ISI mark, it will attract a challan of Rs 1,000. Thus, wear a correct helmet properly or be ready to shell up to a fine of Rs 2,000.  

Social Media Campaign to sensitise people on the importance of wearing ISI helmets

Head injuries are a major cause of death, injury and disability among users of motorized two wheel vehicles. According to Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1998, “Every person, above four years of age, driving or riding a motorcycle of any class or description, shall, while in a public place, wear protective headgear conforming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards, and is securely fastened to the head of the wearer using straps or other fastenings provided on the headgear.”

Through our various digital platforms we are sensitizing people regarding the importance of wearing ISI certified quality helmets and also to fasten the strap for their safety not just to avoid penalty.

   

Legal Framework

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1998 states that “every person driving or riding a motorcycle of any class or description, shall, while in a public place, wear protective headgear conforming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards, and is securely fastened to the head of the wearer using straps or other fastenings provided on the headgear.”

Each genuine protective helmet for two wheelers consists of ISI mark, the helmet’s IS code (IS 4151) above the ISI mark and the manufacturer’s code (CM/L) below the ISI mark. Always buy a helmet with an ISI mark to make sure the product complies to set standards. Never compromise on quality.

Consumer VOICE along with its state partners are spreading awareness on the subject matter to encourage two wheeler riders and pillion riders to wear quality, certified helmets and fasten straps. We are also using our digital platforms for sensitization on the same with support from various organisations, road safety activists, etc.

Road Safety Workshop in West Bengal

Road Safety Workshop in West Bengal

Road Safety Workshop in West Bengal

West Bengal

A road safety sensitization workshop was organised by Honcho Tech For Good Foundation, West Bengal with support from Consumer VOICE New Delhi at Humayun Kabir College, Bamanpukur, Minakhan, North 24 Parganas district on 21st June 2022. The purpose of the workshop was to strengthen road safety to save precious lives on roads by diligent enforcement.

The workshop was attended by officials of Basirhat Police District under North 24 Parganas District, Shri Joydeep Paul Traffic Officer Incharge Basirhat Police District, North 24 Parganas represented the ‘Save Drive Save Live Campaign’  Shri Manab Mondal Minakhan Block Coordinator, Shri Raju Paul Minakhan Block President, Hasanujjaman Seikh, PDO (Minakhan Block), Subhas Biswas , Principal and Social Activist of Humayun Kabir Mahavidyalaya and Ms Sayani Das, Celebrity Swimmer  youth influencer for Road Safety were also present in the workshop besides President of Panchayat Samiti along with several administrative officers. Shri Gopesh Patra, Deputy and spokesperson of MLA Smt. Usharani Mondal also addressed the audience.

Various aspects of road safety, risk factors linked with MVAA 2019 provisions current situation in the district various measures taken and required to strengthen the road safety were discussed with stakeholders in the workshop. A booklet on road safety highlighting the risk factors and important provisions in the MVAA act was distributed. A presentation was also given by Honcho Tech Officials to elaborate various aspects and an appeal was made to adhere all traffic rules with focus on certified helmet wearing and fasten the strap.

Stakeholders’ Consultation in West Bengal – “Strengthening Road Safety, to Save Precious Lives on Roads”

Stakeholders’ Consultation in West Bengal – “Strengthening Road Safety, to Save Precious Lives on Roads”

Stakeholders’ Consultation in West Bengal – “Strengthening Road Safety, to Save Precious Lives on Roads”

Consumer VOICE along with its state partner, Honcho Tech for Good Foundation organised a state level workshop in Kolkata on “Strengthening Road Safety, to Save Precious Lives on Roads in West Bengal” on 8th October.

The workshop was joined by dignitaries including Shri Arindam Mani (WBCS, EXE) Addl. Secretary Transport Department, Govt of WB, Smt Santi Sen Das (WBPS), Addl. Special Superintendent, WB Police, Shri Priyanjan Das (WBCS, EXE) Dy. Managing Director, WB Transport Corporation, Dr. Abhik Ghosh, Senior Consultant ENT & Head Neck Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Kolkata, Secretary, Protect The Warriors; Secretary, IMA Salt Lake City, Shri Swapnomoy Chakraborty, Renowned Bengali Novelist, Shri Indranil Dasgupta, Director social Initiatives, Honcho, and Shri Ashim Sanyal, COO, Consumer VOICE where experts discussed challenges and how to strengthen road safety in the state and MVAA 2019.

Smt. Santi Sen Das, WBPS (Addl. Special Superintendent, West Bengal Police) while emphasising on the importance of collaborative efforts towards road safety said that  “It is a high time that people should realise the need for taking road safety measures not only for themselves but also for the society. Each individual in this society should inculcate road safety culture in their mind and actions. Then only the mortality and accident ratio can be controlled. No more nike Circus in the city and districts can be tolerated,”

Dr. Abhik Ghosh (Senior Consultant ENT and Head Neck Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Kolkata; Secretary, Protect The Warriors; Secretary, IMA Salt Lake City) talked about Good Samaritan Law .He said that “Every individual of this state should be made aware about the Good Samaritan Law as it will give them an insight how to act cohesively during any accidents. They should be imbibed with proper knowledge how to handle an accident patient if anything occurs in the road. Neglecting the situation and ignoring the patients will cause harm for every citizen in our society if they don’t practise this habit because nobody knows when they will face such an incident in their life.”

Shri.Priyanjan Das, WBCS, EXE (Dy. Managing Director, West Bengal Transport Corporation)  discussed about various road safety measures adopted by the West Bengal Transport Corporation .He highlighted about  various Capacity Building Trainings with the Bus Drivers to decrease Road accidents and to provide basic life support to the victims. He spoke about maintenance aspect by and told that WBTC always maintains their buses, so that mechanical fault shouldn’t be the cause of road accident and fatalities.”

Shri. Swapnomoy Chakraborty (Renowned Bengali Novelist) emphasised on role of citizens and said that “People should utilise their senses and give priorities to the Road Safety Education by not ignoring their common duties as a good citizen of Kolkata. Then only the City and the Districts can able to enforce Road Safety Measures more effectively.”

Shri Ashim Sanyal discussed about various provisions of MVAA 2019 and gave practical examples of other states where MVAA 2019 is implemented. Shri Indronil Dasgupta made presentation about current road safety scenario.

Stakeholders’ Consultation in Madhya Pradesh – ‘Fast Implementation of MVAA 19 to save lives on roads’

Stakeholders’ Consultation in Madhya Pradesh – ‘Fast Implementation of MVAA 19 to save lives on roads’

Stakeholders’ Consultation in Madhya Pradesh – ‘Fast Implementation of MVAA 19 to save lives on roads’

Shri Ramji Shrivastava, Superintendent of Police, Headquarter, Bhopal who was the Chief Guest stakeholders consultation in Madhya Pradesh with the objective of ‘fast implementation of MVAA 19 to save lives on roads’ started the event by explaining the reasons behind road accidents. He elaborated on the actions  taken by the police department to prevent road accidents and save lives. He said that there are more than 18 lakh vehicles registered in Madhya Pradesh and maximum accidents occurs during 9 am to 12 noon and between 6 pm and 9 pm as against the popular belief of high accidents during night time. He also added that in Madhya Pradesh number of road accidents is more on State highways and within the cities. Grievous injurious are reported more at traffic junctions. Accidents even at zebra crossings causing death of pedestrians have been reported. He also said that people’s awareness and participation are very important to minimize road accidents.

Dr. S.K. Saxena, Senior Surgical Specialist & Civil Surgeon and Former Medical Adviser to Human Rights Commission said that the role of a good Samaritan, especially his/her promptness is very crucial to save lives and thus to reduce fatalities among road accident victims. He highlighted the need for training on road safety and first aid for all from the primary stage in school up to the college to enable them to save lives of road accident victims.

Dr. Rahul Tiwari, Assistant Professor of Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) spoke about the Government of India’s efforts to make over all changes in the existing system through automation of vehicle registration, issuing driving licenses, detection of traffic violation and over speeding etc. He also explained how implementation of Intelligent Traffic Management System could help in detecting traffic violations and help in proper implementation of MVAA 2019. He mentioned about the government initiatives like Saarthi Portal  for issuing of driving licenses and Vahan Portal  for registration of vehicles. He stressed upon the need for implementation of automatic surveillance system which could be a deterrent to traffic violation. Dr Pradip Nandi, Director General NCHSE was also part of the event.

Shri Hemant Upadhyay, Advisor, Consumer Voice presented the Overview of road safety and Motor Vehicle Amendment Act, 2019 and pointed out that while during 2018-19 number of road accidents have decreased in some of the states like Tamil Nadu, road accidents continuously increased in Madhya Pradesh. He said that maximum fatalities or grievous injuries are suffered by the working age group, which not only affects but the entire family financially. He stressed on timely implementation of MVAA 2019 which will help in decreasing road accidents in Madhya Pradesh.

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