SIAM launches road safety awareness program for school children

New Delhi: 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 graced the launch ceremony of this comprehensive awareness initiative as chief guest. Additionally, esteemed dignitaries like Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary- Ministry of Education, Nidhi Pandey, IIS, Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Education, and Vinod Agarwal, President- SIAM and MD and CEO - VECV supported the launch. Celebrated film actor Rajkumar Rao was also present on the occasion and extended his support to the cause.

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 1,250 Kendriya Vidyalaya schools across India.

Talking about the Road Safety, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Government of India, said, "Road accidents costs about three per cent of our GDP while taking precious lives of our beloved citizens. Through a number of initiatives, including measures for improving quality of infrastructure, awareness programs 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. The automobile industry contributes tremendously to the GDP, export and employment generation, and this initiative of the automobile body is indeed a futurist one towards creating a better and safer tomorrow.”

Vinod Agarwal, President, SIAM, said, “India accounts for 11 per cent 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, "India is developing world-class road infrastructure today. The government has also prioritised improving road safety in order to reduce fatalities and accidents on the roads. 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 up 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 for various age groups and classes. One of the most important component of 4E’s of road safety, these materials equip students with essential knowledge and skills for responsible road behaviour. The awareness modules cover basics of road safety, pedestrian safety, safety gears, road signs and traffic signals, legal tips – challan and driving license, safe traveling to school, roads and their usage, distractive driving and defensive driving, and responsibilities of all – good samaritan.

SIAM along with its members actively works to raise road safety awareness across India and with a tremendous support from stakeholders has emerged as a key player in ensuring road safety and preserving lives. SIAM believes that Education is a powerful tool to cultivate responsible road behaviour at a very young age and proliferate Road Safety learnings through the community.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is a not-for-profit apex national body representing all major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. SIAM works towards supporting sustainable development of the Indian Automobile Industry with the vision that India emerges as the destination of choice in the world for design and manufacture of automobiles. It also works towards facilitating enhancement of the competitiveness of the Indian Automobile Industry, reducing cost of vehicles, increasing productivity and achieving global standards of quality.