Road safety clubs to be set up in Kangra colleges, schools

To educate youngsters about traffic rules, road safety clubs will be set up in schools and colleges in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, officials said today.

According to Kangra deputy commissioner Sandeep Kumar, all schools and colleges in the district have been intimated about the initiative.

To make young drivers sensitive about safe driving, all the heads of schools and colleges have been directed to constitute the clubs," Kumar said.

"The clubs shall have teachers, students and parents as members and will help in improving road safety and reducing accidents, he added.

Kumar said the clubs will educate youngsters about the rules of the road especially those who ride without wearing helmets.

Generally, it is seen that youth ride two-wheelers without helmets, which is one of the main reasons for fatal accidents, he said, adding that most of them don't even have a valid driving license.

Principals are instructed to ban the entry of students coming to the institution on a two-wheeler without wearing a helmet. They must also inform the parents, Kumar said.

Santosh Patial SP Kangra informed that 175 people lost their lives and 919 were injured in 722 two-wheeler accidents in the district between 2015 and 2018 (up to June 30).

The administration is serious about curbing these accidents," he said.

"The 'no helmet, no petrol' scheme is one of the several steps being taken in this direction," he added.