Usually after retirement, policemen prefer a peaceful life rather than going on missions. But 61-year-old N. Sivaji is different. His self-appointed task is to create road safety awareness among motorists. The retired police officer, who is on a road trip, has covered over 7,000 kilometers within the State in 48 days spreading message on driving carefully.
He is usually spotted, dressed in a green shirt and white pant, standing stylishly next to a 100 cc bike fitted with a big box affixed with pictures of common road safety violations and tips to avoid them. The bike is also fitted with a microphone and he plays messages on road safety after stopping his bike in public places.
“A few years ago I met with an accident and had a head injury. It affected my hearing. Doctors said it is a dangerous operation, so I decided to create awareness about road safety among all road users so that no one meets with accidents,” says the retired Special Sub-Inspector from Karur.
ADVERTISEMENT
He started his trip on August 15 from Karur. “I have covered 31 districts. Everywhere the policemen help me with petrol and food. Riding is a big difficult with my hearing problem, but I manage to check vehicles behind me using the rear view mirror,” adds Sivaji.
“I don’t ride at night. I usually try to cover 100 km every day. I have seen accidents that were caused because traffic rules were flouted and I want the younger generation to be safe,” he says.
Sivaji has gone on a road trip earlier too – once after the bomb blasts in Coimbatore and on March 9, 1994, he cycled from Karur to Chennai in 14 hours and met Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. “This time too I want to meet her,” he adds before stretching his legs.
ADVERTISEMENT