Pune city witnessed initiation of hundreds of Drive Safe Clubs in many of its schools, colleges and corporate campuses through more than 1 KM walkathon from SSPMS Ground through Mangalwar Peth station of Pune’s Maha Metro and return, amounting to 1.5 Million safety steps donation by NGO Drive Smart, Drive Safe, held on 14th Feb. A Mass Pledge of 8 Point Road Safety Code of Conduct was also organized on this occasion.Road safety is a collective responsibility. This mega Walkathon where more than 1350 Citizens including school children came together, was one of its kind for Pune, to promote awareness, education, and positive change. The first-ever open-platform mega road safety walkathon was a massive success held on the last day of National Road Safety Month announced by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Walkathon was Flagged Off by Mr.Shrikant Borte, DCP, Traffic Police Pune, Rama Shankar Pandey, CEO Tata Green Batteries, Dr.Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI, Mr.Shyam Singh, Plant Head, Pune – Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Ltd., Mr.Prasanna Patwardhan, President, BOCI, Mr.Pratyush Khare, Tata Motors, Dr.Parag Kalkar, VC, Savitribai Phule Pune University & Ms. Rekha Magar, Chairperson-FICCI FLO, Pune Chapter and
The campaign “India Against Road Crash, season 2024”, has a threefold objective to increase awareness about road safety, encourage responsible driving behavior, and reduce the number of road accidents. The key to achieving these goals lies in the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community organizations, Industries and academic institutions.
The campaign is being supported by various organizations such as ACMA, ASDC, ARAI, AISSMS, ASC, AITWA, BOCI, FICCI_FLO, CIRT, Pune City Traffic, Pune Metro, NDRF, Ranjangaon Industries Association, SAE India & ASC. The campaign is being partnered by Tata Motors, Tata Autocomp, Tata Green Batteries and Continental India. Additionally, volunteers from schools, colleges, runners, bikers and walkers groups joined the campaign to bring the change.
One of the highlight of the event was to inspire young Indians to click selfies with Safe Bikers club members and Helmet Man of India. This campaign aims to promote safer road behavior by committing to self-discipline, respecting other road users, being a defensive driver, following road rules, and symbolizing the commitment through a “step donation”.
More than 1350 Volunteers were inducted as Road Safety Warriors and they will start Drive Safe clubs in their organizations before next Road Safety month in 12 months from now. The campaign aims to channelize these resources to bring positive transformation in Pune City’s civic traffic sense.
“The most recent data on road accidents in India is concerning. With one person dying every four minutes and one accident occurring every minute, the situation is critical and cannot be ignored. It is crucial to understand that road safety is the responsibility of each and every individual. We need to involve the community in road safety initiatives by collaborating with schools, colleges, and local organizations to raise awareness. There are many reasons for road crash but one definite immediate solution is, Let’s Be The Change (Jab Hum Badlenge Toh Desh Badlega) ” said Mr. Rama Shankar Pandey, Chairman, Aftermarket Committee, ACMA and Chairman, Road Safety, FICCI, and Chief Executive Officer, Tata AutoComp GY Batteries Pvt. Ltd.
“While observing Nations having some of the safest Roads, Self-enforcement remains core principle of their success. Its well established that following Road Rules save lives. We will be safe with self-enforcement, our society and our country will be safe’ , Said Mr. Shyam Singh, Plant Head, Pune – Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.
“Road safety is an extremely important topic that affects all of us, whether we are pedestrians or drivers. Our actions on the road have a significant impact on our own safety and the safety of others. It’s crucial that we prioritize safety over all other aspects and ensure a secure journey for everyone.” said Dr. Reji Mathai, Director ARAI.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to the team for spreading awareness on road safety at a time when road accidents are alarmingly high. It is my sincere hope that the entire nation comes together for the cause that endeavors to make pedestrians and roads safer. Road safety is of prime importance for each one of us. Whenever we walk or travel by any vehicle on the road, our safety is in our hands. We must be very careful of the other vehicles on the road. Our safety on the road can only be ensured when we abide by the traffic rules. Road safety is not just about following traffic rules; it’s about cultivating a culture of responsible driving, empathy, and awareness.”. said Mr. Sashikant Borate, DCP, Traffic Police
Concerned citizens, civil society members, traffic police and scores of road safety volunteers participated in this walkathon.
Club D2S – Drive Smart Drive Safe (D2S) is a Section 25 Company, an NGO that aims to educate people on road safety and reduce road accidents and deaths on Indian roads. We intend to reduce the occurrence of conditions that contribute to fatalities on roads like poor visibility, driver negligence and fatigue, negligence of safety norms, drunken driving, speeding etc.
Through awareness rallies, safety campaigns, street plays, special events and traditional and social media campaigns, we work towards raising awareness on road safety and connecting with citizens towards best practices in road travel.