“Driving is not just a privilege. It’s a serious responsibility,” said former Test cricketer V.V.S. Laxman here on Monday. He also suggested that motorists adopt safe driving practices on city roads.
Laxman, who is the brand ambassador of the Hyderabad Traffic Police, is featured in six educational short films on road safety, which will be shown in cinemas, besides social media sites and television channels. Participating in a programme organised by the traffic police to launch the films, Mr. Laxman advised motorists to become responsible road users not only for their own sake but also for others. “Several persons asked me as to which was the most beautiful place in India during interviews across the world. I replied that except for traffic, Hyderabad is the most beautiful city,” he recalled. The films seek to spread awareness about the common traffic violations reported in the city such as not wearing seat belts, using mobiles while driving, jumping signals, drink-driving and triple riding.
Director-General of Police B. Prasada Rao underlined the need for imparting traffic education from the school level. The enforcement should be done rigorously. Lack of discipline and traffic sense is leading to chaotic traffic situation, which has become a special flavour of the city, he added.
City Police Commissioner Anurag Sharma said it was an unending struggle for traffic policemen to curb traffic violations on the one hand and regulate traffic on the other. “The toughest job in police is not fighting extremists or terrorists but being a traffic policeman. He has to keep his cool and answer all queries posed by motorists braving noise and dust pollution,” Mr. Sharma said.
