‘I want to see humans and animals safe on the roads’

R. PREETHI has enlisted students as spokespersons for her campaign,

Over 50 children from five police boys and girls clubs attended a session on road safety.

She has separate boxes for animals and humans tucked away safely in the luggage compartment of her bike. They contain first-aid kits. A student of Madras School of Social Work, R. Preethi wants to see not just humans but also animals safe on the roads.

Having taken part in numerous awareness programmes by Thozhan, Preethi is now confident about promoting road safety without any support. In her first campaign, she made kids spokespersons for road safety.

The kids were also encouraged to speak out against cruelty to animals.

“I have always been an animal lover. Now, after joining MSSW I have a newfound love for humans as well. I had a Labrador named Pinky, who passed away a few months ago. She has been an inspiration for me and the reason for me to start loving animals. After taking part in various activities of Thozhan, I decided to make road safety awareness my mission,” says this resident of West Mambalam, who has 15 cats.

She also rescues dogs and fosters them till permanent homes are found for them.

Interning with HCL gave her the opportunity to start her own road safety programmes. With over 50 children from five police boys and girls club she recently conducted a session on road safety.

The students from T. Nagar, Kodambakkam, Ashok Nagar, K. K. Nagar and Vadapalani clubs participated in the poster competition. She also brought in resource persons from Thozhan to talk to the children.

“Radha Krishnan from Thozhan presented the latest statistics about fatal road accidents in the city. Speaking on rule violations, Thilak of Sevai Karangal oriented the students on first-aid techniques and first-aid kits were also given to the clubs,” she adds.

The participants also received pamphlets with road safety information, caps, and cards carrying numbers of fire stations and blood banks. Serving as resource persons, these participants then spoke to motorists at busy junctions in the city.

Preethi also conducts life skill classes for children in slums along with recreational activities. She also helps people who need blood for emergency cases.

Those interested in conducting awareness programmes on road safety and animal cruelty can contact her at 99419 18157.