Dehradun RTO Launches Intensive Road Safety Campaign to Transform Driving Behavior
Moving beyond routine enforcement measures, Dehradun's Regional Transport Office (Enforcement and Road Safety) has initiated an intensive, city-wide road safety campaign under the National Road Safety Month, which runs from January 16 to February 14. This initiative aims to fundamentally change driving behavior rather than merely penalizing violations, marking a significant shift in approach toward fostering safer roads.
Comprehensive Awareness Drive Across Key Locations
As part of the campaign, large awareness banners have been strategically installed across major roads in Dehradun, including prominent areas such as Clock Tower, Saharanpur Road, IT Park, Raipur Road, and ISBT. These banners highlight critical traffic violations, including drunk driving, riding without helmets, triple riding, failure to wear seat belts, red-light jumping, and juvenile driving. Additionally, the campaign draws attention to lesser-addressed offences like vehicle overloading and failure to give way to ambulances.
Anita Chamola, RTO enforcement and road safety official, emphasized that this effort is designed to educate the public and promote responsible driving habits through visible messaging.
Innovative Enforcement and Recognition Initiatives
Officials are employing speed radar guns to monitor and check overspeeding, ensuring stricter compliance with speed limits. In a positive reinforcement strategy, commuters who adhere to traffic rules are being acknowledged through appreciation posters, encouraging others to follow suit.
A special initiative titled ‘Responsible Parents, Responsible Mother’ has been introduced to recognize women riders who wear helmets and ensure that children above four years also follow safety norms during school travel. This program underscores the importance of parental responsibility in road safety.
Focus on Children and Educational Outreach
Children and students are a key focus of the outreach efforts. Schools across Dehradun have been actively engaged through drawing, poster, and slogan competitions, with selected entries displayed at public places to spread road safety awareness widely. The transport department has also announced plans to establish a Children Traffic Park in Dehradun this year, providing hands-on learning experiences for young learners to understand and practice traffic rules effectively.
Community Engagement and Planned Events
To ensure broad-based participation, RTO officials have conducted meetings with drivers, conductors, transport unions, and other stakeholders to discuss safety protocols and collaborative measures. The month-long campaign includes a series of rallies and events, such as a road safety marathon and carnival, aimed at fostering community involvement and reinforcing the message of safe driving practices.
This comprehensive approach by Dehradun's RTO not only addresses immediate enforcement needs but also builds a culture of road safety through education, recognition, and community engagement, setting a precedent for other cities to follow.
