The Odisha transport department has unveiled a comprehensive road safety strategy targeting young drivers and expanding successful programs across the state. The initiative focuses on monitoring driving skills among college students and broadening the reach of the traffic warden scheme beyond Bhubaneswar.
New Monitoring System for Student Drivers
In a significant move to improve road safety, the department will implement a project targeting students above 18 years in higher educational institutions and coaching centers. While these students are legally eligible to drive, authorities have noted they often lack adequate awareness of traffic rules and safe driving practices.
Video recordings will be conducted during peak arrival and departure times at educational campuses, with the footage shared with respective institutions to identify unsafe driving behaviors. The institutes will then recommend corrective measures to address these issues.
State Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating: "We want to ensure that students who start driving at 18 do so responsibly. Monitoring their driving skills will not only highlight mistakes but also encourage safer habits."
Combating Underage Driving
The program also aims to address the persistent problem of illegal underage driving. Officials highlighted that according to Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, regional transport officers can cancel vehicle registration for 12 months when offences are committed by juveniles.
The law also ensures that minor offenders cannot obtain a driving licence until they reach 25 years of age. Additionally, police can register cases against parents and guardians of underage drivers.
While the MV Act provisions allow for learner's licence for applicants aged 16 to below 18 years, transport authorities rarely issue these due to the unavailability of 50cc vehicles that such licences permit.
Expansion of Traffic Warden Program
The successful traffic warden program, currently operational in Bhubaneswar, will be expanded to six additional districts. At least 500 traffic wardens comprising ex-servicemen and retired police personnel will be deployed across the state.
The distribution plan includes:
- Sundargarh and Ganjam: 100 wardens each
- Mayurbhanj: 90 wardens
- Keonjhar: 75 wardens
- Jajpur: 40 wardens
- Khurda: 45 wardens
- Rourkela (under Sundargarh district): 50 wardens
Road Safety Exhibitions and Competitions
The department will organize zonal-level road safety exhibitions inviting college and university students to showcase innovative ideas. From these exhibitions, 12 institutes (two from each zone) will be shortlisted to compete at a state-level exhibition.
The three most outstanding entries will be honored at a state function and awarded cash prizes, encouraging youth participation in road safety innovation.
A budget of Rs 50 lakh has been sanctioned for these comprehensive road safety initiatives, demonstrating the state government's commitment to reducing accidents and promoting responsible driving behavior among young citizens.
