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Time of India
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Govt to hold brainstorming session to curb accidents
Bhubaneswar: State govt has decided to organise a 'chintan shivir' (brainstorming session) to curb the growing number of road accidents, transport officials said on Sunday. "Venue and schedule of the chintan shivir will be finalised by the govt. The initiative aims to bring together various stakeholders to formulate effective strategies for reducing road fatalities," transport secretary Usha Padhee said. Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur said the proposed consultation programme will provide a platform to discuss and deliberate on road safety strategies. The brainstorming programme will include participation from road safety master trainers, investigation officers, healthcare professionals, educators and other stakeholders. "The session intends to strengthen their capabilities in advocating road safety and minimising accidents," Thakur said. Road accident deaths in Odisha increased by 7% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to Odisha police sources. Data showed fatalities rose to 6,142 in 2024 from 5,739 in 2023. Padhee said the proposed 'zero accident day' (ZAD) campaign will be launched soon with the help of IIT Madras, technical consultant of the Odisha govt on road safety matters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Making history: These 5 timepieces set world records at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025 CNA Read More Undo The campaign aims to transform the driving culture and promote road safety across the state. "ZAD involves massive awareness campaign in districts that witnessed a high number of deaths. Our approach combines psychological insights with practical solutions. We are not just creating rules; we need to understand why people make unsafe choices on roads and how to effectively change these patterns," a senior transport official said. IIT Madras has been advised by the transport department to analyse common traffic violations, accident-prone areas and factors contributing to road accidents. The institute will develop targeted interventions and awareness campaigns to promote safe driving habits.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
App being designed to alert Junior Rakshaks
Bhubaneswar: The govt is developing a mobile application that will alert 'Junior Rakshaks', who serve as first responders during road accidents , about mishaps in their vicinity, enabling faster emergency response times. In March last year, the state govt introduced the 'Junior Rakshak' programme to equip national cadet corps (NCC) students with first responder training for road accidents. "We are in the process of developing the app which will be launched soon. The application will have the complete database of our trained Junior Rakshaks and their addresses. If any accident takes place in their areas, they will get instant notifications on their phones, requiring their intervention," a senior transport official said. 'Junior Rakshaks' primary responsibility involves reaching accident locations and assisting in transporting injured people to nearby hospitals. When far from accident sites, they can provide necessary guidance via telephone. For minor injuries, Junior Rakshaks are trained to administer first aid before shifting the injured to hospitals. "The junior rakshaks contribute to saving vital lives through immediate first aid provision to accident victims. The initiative aims to save lives during the 'golden hour' by ensuring swift and appropriate first aid and timely transportation to the nearest medical facilities," state transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur said. T he govt trained 11,500 students under the Junior Rakshak scheme last year, with plans to reach 20,000 students this year. Training commenced last week at various NCC summer camps across the state. "Students are receiving both first aid instruction and road safety education. The NCC focuses on building character, fellowship, discipline, secular values, adventurous spirit and selfless service principles amongst young citizens. These trained students will educate their friends in schools and colleges," the official said. According to the transport department, the Junior Rakshak project seeks to establish a group of organised, disciplined, trained and motivated youth with leadership qualities, serving as road safety ambassadors to raise awareness in society. "Annually, we plan to prepare a new pool of students for first responder training to assist accident victims. Additionally, these Junior Rakshaks can serve as 'student traffic volunteers' supporting police with traffic management in various cities," another transport official said.
