SIAM launches “Road Safety Education and Awareness Programme” for school children

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex body of the automobile industry, has launched the "Road Safety Education & Awareness Programme" exclusively designed for school students across the country, reinforcing its ongoing "SIAM Surakshit Safar (Safe Journey)" initiative.

This programme aims to instill responsible road behaviour and promote road safety consciousness among young minds. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways was the chief guest at the event. Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary- Ministry of Education, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Education, and Vinod Agarwal, President- SIAM and MD and CEO – VECV were also present at the launch.

On this occasion, SIAM also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS). Under the aegis of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, this strategic collaboration sets the foundation for a massive educational drive aiming to reach over 14 lakh students in 1250 Kendriya Vidyalaya schools across India.

Talking about Road Safety, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Government of India, said, "Road accidents cost about 3% of our GDP while taking precious lives of our beloved citizens. Through a number of initiatives, including measures for improving the quality of infrastructure, awareness programmes, and stringent enforcement of rules and regulations, our government has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing road safety. People need to be educated about traffic laws and appropriate road behaviour. It is heartening to see that SIAM and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVs) have come together to raise awareness among young students to support efforts to improve road safety.”

Vinod Aggarwal, President, SIAM, said, “India accounts for 11% of all the road fatalities worldwide, which necessitates initiatives to safeguard the lives of our citizen while they travel. Educating people about traffic rules and raising awareness can play a pivotal role in facilitating our efforts towards making roads safer. The automotive industry has consistently emphasised on road safety and SIAM augmented their efforts by spreading awareness. As part of our ongoing commitment to improving road safety, SIAM today signs an agreement with the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to teach our young students about responsible road behaviour.”

On this occasion, Nidhi Pandey, IIS, Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, said, "Road safety is a key component of KVs' curriculum, and the schools have done a commendable job of teaching these topics to students. With the signing of this MoU with SIAM, KV will further its efforts to promote road safety. We are committed to making this MoU a successful partnership.”

Under the "SIAM Surakshit Safar (Safe Journey)" initiative, SIAM has developed comprehensive road safety study materials, which cover the Basics of Road Safety, Pedestrian Safety, Safety Gears, Road Signs and Traffic Signals, Legal Tips – Challan & Driving License, Safe Traveling to School, etc. Under the “SIAM  Surakshit Safar initiative, SIAM has developed road safety study materials, etc.

SIAM along with its members actively works to raise road safety awareness across India and with support from stakeholders has emerged as a key player in ensuring road safety.

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Also read: Surviving Indian roads: The drive towards a safer journey