The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Society for Automotive Fitness and Environment (SAFE) in association with the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Delhi Police today organised the ‘Walk for safety’.

The event was led by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Roads, Transport and Highways; Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home Affairs; the commissioner of police in Delhi and special commissioner of police along with senior officials from the ministry and Delhi Police. The march started at the India Gate and concluded at Shastri Bhawan. The theme for the road safety week celebrations 2016 is ‘Road Safety – Time for Action’.

Talking about the initiative, Vishnu Mathur, director general, SIAM, said, “SIAM – SAFE are totally committed towards spreading the message of Road Safety in our citizens. SIAM-SAFE with the full support from members will organise programs across the 4,200  automobile dealer network all across the nation and will also organise  various training workshops, competitions, walk for students, drivers and general masses with an objective of reducing fatalities on our roads. We are extremely thankful to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Delhi Police and others who have extended their support to us in making this ‘Walk for Safety’ a success.”

SIAM is also working with its members and dealers to organise as many as 5,000 activities across the country to promote awareness on road safety. SIAM has also tied up with the TCI foundation to organise health check-up camps and driver training camps for truck drivers across 11 states.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Gadkari said: “In our country every year, 500,000 accidents take place, nearly 300,000 people get injured and 150,000 people lose their lives in road accidents. Our responsibility is to save the life of these people. We shall cover all the accidental spots and spend Rs 11,000 crore in the next five years to improve the same.”

Rajnath Singh said, “There is a need for an authority or a board which ensures and monitors road safety. Road safety is not just the responsibility of the government; even the stakeholders have to fulfil their designated duties, and then only we would be able to ensure the better road safety system.” He added, “MoRTH will soon finalise the plan for a National Road Safety Authority.”

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