Bloodshed, shattered glasses, crashed vehicles, and shrills of people crying out on losing their loved ones, not in one but seven road accidents echoed on the Beach Road.
It appeared so real that every commuter did stop at every accident spot for a closer look, only to realise that it was a thought-provoking mock drill stretching from Panduranga Swamy temple down to Matsya Darshini.
As part of the 24 National Road Safety Week, a road safety mock drill-2013 — Raasta (road alertness awareness and safe travel ambience) — was organised by Sathgeeth Creations in association with the Visakhapatnam City Police and the Transport Authority of India. The mock drill not only induced fear among the viewers but also acted as an eye-opener to many people.
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On the occasion, a rally was flagged off by Visakhapatnam West MLA Malla Vijay Prasad in the presence of Government Whip Dronamraju Srinivas, Motor Vehicle Inspector A.K. Khan, managing director of Sims Group of Companies Surendra Gupta, and I.I.A.M. College director Sunkara Ravindra, among others.
‘Abide by rules’
Speaking on the occasion, they underlined the need to abide by traffic rules and urged the drivers not to take their precious life for granted.
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“Everybody is aware of the do’s and don’ts of driving, but not many give it a serious thought. Minimum precautions such as wearing helmet, controlling speed while turning at junctions, and being conscious while driving go a long way and help cut down road accidents,” they explained.
Deputy Transport Commissioner Md. Saleem announced that he would be extending the support in every possible way to promote road safety in the city.
With a message
Students from various colleges, apart from Flying Cats, took part in the rally displaying placards with messages such as “don’t lose life! It is precious,” “speed thrills, but kills,” “caution and care make accidents rare,” “traffic rules are life-saving tools,” and “fast drive could be your last drive.”
Speaking at the event, founder and president of Sathgeeth Creations Ganesh Ratho said:
“This is the second time we are organising such an event inviting 200 artistes to enact seven accidents that occur due to drunk drivers, overtaking, women covering their face with scarf while driving, talking on mobile phones while driving, overloaded auto, driving on the wrong side. They also enacted the road accidents that took the lives of TDP leader K. Yerran Naidu and actor Yasho Sagar.”
Cultural events
The event saw participation of more than 40 inspectors from Law and Order Department and Road Transport Authority.
In the evening, cultural programmes and skits performed on the Beach Road opposite Kali Mata temple caught the attention of the passersby.