The Regional Transport Office here organised a mega medical camp for the benefit of drivers and their family members on Tuesday.
According to Tirunelveli Regional Transport Officer K. Thangavelu, the district witnessed 2,746 road accidents, including 535 fatal accidents, in 2013 in which 579 persons lost their lives. Though the number of accidents in 2014 came down to 2,313, the number of casualties rose to 540.
“Hence, road safety should not be just a slogan. It should be a way of life to ensure the safety of every road user,” Mr Thangavelu said.
As part of the ‘Road Safety Week’ celebrations, the office of the RTO organised a medical and eye screening camp here on Tuesday for the benefit of the drivers and their families. Their children below five years of age were administered polio drops.
When the officials attached to the RTO Office, Tirunelveli, conducted surprise checks in 2014, 34 drivers were found to be under the influence of alcohol while on duty and their driving licences were cancelled. The licences of 17 others were suspended.
“Driving licences of 19 drivers were cancelled for having caused fatal accidents and 64 driving licences suspended,” Mr Thangavelu said.
He said Tirunelveli and Valliyoor RTO offices generated Rs 61 crore revenue in 2014 by registering new vehicles and issuing or renewing driving licences. “We’ll organise checks to ensure the safety of road users,” Mr Thangavelu noted.
