NASIR YOUSUFI
Srinagar: On a specific complaint by one child rights advocate and in a bid to promote road safety among children, today on 01 May, 2023, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Srinagar in collaboration with the Traffic police, Bemina launched a traffic awareness drive in Bemina near Iqbal Memorial Boys school, Srinagar.
The campaign aims to educate children about the importance of following traffic rules, discouraging rash, reckless and negligent driving among children. Besides, this initiative aims to counsel the negligent parents who in brazen violation of traffic regulations hand over the keys of their vehicle to the young children.
“With the increase in traffic and accidents involving children in the city, it has become imperative to create awareness about road safety among children who are often vulnerable and unaware of the risks involved. The traffic awareness drive will focus on educating children about traffic signs, traffic lights, and basic road safety rules” conveyed CWC.
While conducting this drive, eight (8) motor cycles including scooties and a car, were seized by the traffic police. Besides, on the spot directions has been passed by CWC Srinagar, for the personal appearance of the Principal, Iqbal Memorial Boys School, as well as against the negligent parents, who by their inaction had allowed children to ply the vehicles in violation of traffic regulations.
Through this drive, which is ongoing and will be conducted across the Srinagar, Children will be taught about the dangers of plying the vehicle on or near roads. The campaign also aims to sensitize children about the violations of rules and regulations entailed under MV Act and encourage them to become responsible road users. Similar, traffic awareness drives will be conducted in schools across the city, in collaboration with the concerned authorities.
Commenting on the launch of the traffic awareness drive, the Chairperson CWC, Srinagar said, “We believe that educating children about road safety is critical to reducing the number of accidents on our roads. By raising awareness among children, we hope to create a culture of responsible road usage and promote safety for all.” Chairperson further asserted that the paramount mandate of CWC is to ensure that rights and safety of the children and the same shall be in the best interest of the children.
The traffic awareness drive is part of a larger initiative by CWC to promote road safety and reduce the number of accidents on the city’s roads.