ANANTNAG, JANUARY 19: As part of the ongoing National Road Safety Month, Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan took part in a series of impactful events aimed at enhancing road safety awareness in Anantnag.
A key highlight of the day was the flagging-off of a student rally, aimed at spreading road safety messages throughout the district. The rally sought to instil a sense of responsibility in young minds, promoting the importance of adhering to traffic rules from an early age.
In addition, the Transport Commissioner inaugurated a special road safety campaign by distributing eye-catching stickers on vehicles. These stickers carried powerful messages, such as “Think of Them: Drive Safe for Those Who Love You,” “Slow Down: Someone Loves You,” and “Drive Safe: Save Lives, Your Family Awaits,” to encourage responsible driving practices. Key messages included wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions, and embracing other road safety protocols.
Speaking at the event, Vishesh Paul Mahajan emphasised the critical need for collective action in reducing road accidents and fatalities. He highlighted the vital role of society, media, and all stakeholders in creating a culture of safe driving. “We must work together to ensure safer roads for everyone,” Mahajan said.
The initiative also saw enthusiastic participation from local drivers, youth, and community members. This awareness drive is part of a broader campaign to reduce road accidents and foster a culture of road safety across Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the rally, the Transport Commissioner visited the proposed site for an office and driving test track at Zudder. He also urged citizens to use mobile phones to access 54 online services, advising them to avoid relying on touts. “Our department is committed to safeguarding the interests of the public, particularly transporters,” Mahajan emphasised.
Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Qazi Irfan Rasool, reiterated the department’s commitment to utilising all available resources to reduce road accidents and promote road safety.
The day concluded with a pledge ceremony conducted by ARTO Anantnag, where young students vowed not to take control of vehicles before reaching the legal driving age of 18 or obtaining a valid driving license. This initiative is a crucial step towards fostering responsible road usage among the youth.