Driving home an important message on road safety, the drivers of school and college buses have been asked to always remember that they are everyday transporting in their vehicles children who are “India’s future’’ and hence their safety is top most priority to all.
Drivers were also sensitised of their responsibility to ensure safety of school children and college students because parents expect that their child would return home safely and that the driver would take care.
Hundreds of drivers of various schools and colleges in Madurai district attended the road safety awareness programme organised jointly by the Transport Department, Police and Education Department in association with Velammal Educational Trust here on Saturday.
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Sending out a strong message, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, R. Thirunavukarasu, said that the awareness programme was conducted not just because a tragic incident had happened for one child.
“You are carrying the future leaders of this country in your buses and other vehicles. Parents are putting their children in your hands with confidence on you and please reach them to their destination safely,” he said.
The Deputy Police Commissioner also pointed out that the drivers have to bear in mind that their responsibility does not end with just getting driving licence as they deal with people and their lives.
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“Carry our children in a way a father would do if he takes his son or daughter to school. You are also like parents. If this feeling comes in you, there is no need for awareness programmes,” he added.
Earlier, a few sessions to reorient the drivers of schools and colleges about traffic rules and road safety were conducted by transport department officials.
Drivers were cautioned not to indulge in rash driving whatever be their experience. Presence of mind in handling tough situations on road, traffic signals and signs, dangers of drunken driving, following traffic rules/speed limit and driving with concentration were some of the topics discussed at the awareness meeting.
V. Balan, Deputy Transport Commissioner (Madurai Zone), Chandrasekaran, General Manager, TNSTC and three Road Transport Officers - N.Ravichandran, K.Kalyankumar and K.Natarajan - were among those who sensitised the bus drivers.
There was also a session on first aid kits in school and college buses which was addressed by Thangaivel Murugan, District Manager, ‘108’emergency care ambulance service.