Causes of Road Accident

MAIN CAUSES OF ROAD ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTAL DEATHS 1. Over-speeding or driving in excess of prescribed speed limits. 2. Not wearing helmets or not using seat belts - more than 80% of road accident deaths are due to the head injuries. 3. Drunken driving or driving under the influence of drugs. 4. Over loading of vehicles. 5. Use of mobile phones or ear phones while driving/crossing the road. 6. Violation of road signs, signals, traffic lights and road safety rules or many a time due to their ignorance. 7. Long hours of drive, tiredness and fatigue of the driver and lack of traffic education. 8. Pedestrian negligence also contributes to road accidents and endangers their own lives.

Saf e Driving Tips

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Qualities of a good driver What is highway hypnosis? What is 2 seconds rule? Can 2-second rule be reflected in numbers? What should be the speed of driving? How to drive during fog? Precautions during rain What is hydroplane? Driving in high winds Precautions during winter in Hills What to do in case of Equipment Failure? Precautions during night driving What if a fire breaks out in car? Precautions during water accidents Use of a cellular phone during driving What if electricity falls on your vehicle? What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Q) Qualities of a good driver

A driver must concentrate on the road and drive defensively . CONCENTRATION : Operating a vehicle safely demands that the driver concentrate on driving. The person should be rested, calm and not under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. DEFENSIVE DRIVING : Plan ahead for the unexpected. Always be prepared to react to the other driver. Do not expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do. Do not think you know what he or she is going to do. If you cannot avoid a crash, remain calm and try to choose the least dangerous situation. For example, running into a ditch is less dangerous than a head-on collision. Also, your chances of survival are greater if your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.

Q) What is highway hypnosis?

One of the greatest hazards of roadway driving is drowsiness or "highway hypnosis." Lack of sleep or fatigue impact the ability to safely drive the vehicle. When taking a long trip, avoid drowsiness by stopping frequently to drink coffee/tea/water, exercise or nap. Exercise your eyes by reading road signs or shifting the focus of your eyes to different parts of the road. Make sure you are properly rested.

Q) What is 2 seconds rule?

Following a vehicle too closely is called "tail-gating." Use the 2-second rule to determine a safe following distance. Select a fixed object on the road ahead such as a sign, tree or overpass. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the object, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." You should not reach the object before you count to onethousand-two. If you do, you are following too closely. Most rear end collisions are caused by the vehicle in back following too closely. The two-second rule also applies to the speed when one is on a good road and during good weather conditions. If the road and/or weather conditions are not good, increase your distance to a four or five-second count. If you are being tail-gated, move to another lane or slowly pull off the road and allow the vehicle to pass.

Q) Can 2-second rule be reflected in numbers?

Two-Second Rule Approximate Feet Vehicle 2 Second Rule Vehicle Speed Will Travel in 1 Second Distance 25 m.p.h. 35 m.p.h. 45 m.p.h. 55 m.p.h. 37 ft. 52 ft. 66 ft. 81 ft. 74 ft. back 104 ft. back 132 ft. back 162 ft. back

Q) What should be the speed of driving?

A driver should use common sense when driving. Driving too fast or too slowly may create a dangerous situation . Regardless of the posted speed limit, weather and traffic conditions may make it necessary to drive more slowly. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic, as long as it does not surpass the maximum posted speed.

Q) How to drive during fog?

It is the best not to drive in fog. Otherwise, you ought to take the following precautions: Slow down. If you see headlights or tail-lights, slow down even more. A driver may be driving in the center of the road or may be stopped or barely moving. Drive with your headlights set on dim, or use fog lights Do not overdrive your headlights. Stay within the limits of your vision. You may have to stop suddenly. If the fog is too dense, pull off the road and stop. Use your turn signal long before you turn and brake early when you approach a stop to warn other drivers.

Q) Precautions during rain

When rain begins to fall lightly, water, dust, oil and leaves cause the road to become slippery. When this happens, increase your following distance. Take special care on curves and turns and while braking. Your headlights must be ON when operating your wipers. Parking lights should not be used because it creates illusion.

Q) What is hydroplane?
When rain begins to fall heavily, your tyres may "hydroplane." This means the tyres are riding on a layer of water and not on the road. Avoid hydroplaning by slowing down. If you skid while hydroplaning, try to regain control of the vehicle. Otherwise, release the accelerator and ride out the skid.

Q) Driving in high winds

Wind can be a difficult problem for all drivers. Wind is especially difficult for drivers of trucks and other heavy vehicles. In high winds, you should reduce your speed. Heavy rain often accompanies high winds. You should be alert to wet or slippery areas and plan for those conditions.

Q) Precautions during winter in Hills

Winter is the most difficult driving season due to many reasons, including ice and snow at Hill Stations, lower temperatures and fewer daylight hours. During these conditions you should:

Drive slower and increase your following distance. Road conditions may vary depending upon the sun, shade or road surface. Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle. Clear all windows, and do not start driving until your windshield is defrosted and clear. Be sure you have non-freezing windshield washer liquid and that your headlights and taillights are visible. Be sure your vehicle is maintained properly. Lights, brakes, windshield wipers, defrosters, radiator and other parts should be in good working order. Use snow tyres and/or chains (where allowed). Snow tyres give you extra traction, and chains increase safety on snow or icepacked roads. Neither tyres nor chains allow you to drive on bad roads at normal speeds. Start slowly. Gentle braking, in slow, steady strokes, helps you find out how much traction you have. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection or a stop. Approach bridges, shaded spots, overpasses and turns slowly. They may remain icy after the rest of the road is clear and dry. Plan your winter driving. Carry a blanket, food and other survival equipment, such as a shovel, in your vehicle in case you become stranded.

Q) What to do in case of Equipment Failure?

Crashes often happen when equipment fails. Your most important aid is remaining calm. Equipment failures may include:

BLOWOUTS: A thumping sound may be a warning of a blowout. If this happens, ease your foot off the accelerator and keep a firm grasp on the steering wheel. Do not brake suddenly. Pull safely off the road and check your tyres. LOSS OF A WHEEL: React as you would with a blowout. Ease off the accelerator and pull off the road. STEERING FAILURE: If you suddenly have no control of the steering wheel, ease your foot off the accelerator. Turn on your emergency flashers and allow your vehicle to come to a slow stop. Brake very gently to prevent your vehicle from spinning. BRAKE FAILURE: If your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor, pump it to build pressure. If that does not work, use your emergency or parking brake. To slow down, shift your vehicle into a lower gear. HEADLIGHT FAILURE: If your headlights fail suddenly, try your emergency flashers, parking lights and / or turn signals. Pull off the road. If your lights begin to dim, drive to a service station or pull off the road and seek help. STUCK Accelerator: If the accelerator becomes stuck, hook your toe under it to free it. If it does not become free, shift your vehicle into neutral and brake gently to slow down. If you have power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition, you will lose either your power steering or your

Q) Precautions during night driving

Night driving is difficult because things may appear differently than in daylight. Also, glare from lights may interfere with vision. Courtesy and common sense should be used when driving at night. Remember: Never overdrive your headlights. Always keep them clean and aimed properly. Use them at dusk and dawn. Bright lights must be dimmed 500 ft. before meeting an oncoming vehicle or 300 ft. before passing a vehicle. If street lights cause a lot of glare, dim your dashboard lights and use your sun visor. Avoid using any other light inside your vehicle. Roadway signs are more difficult to see at night. Use edge lines and center lines of the roadway as guides. Do not stop on the roadway. If you must stop, carry and use a red warning light.

Q) What if a fire breaks out in car?

If smoke appears, pull off the road. Turn off the engine, move away from the vehicle and call the fire department. Vehicle fires can be very dangerous. Do not fight the fire yourself.

Q) Precautions during water accidents

If your vehicle runs off the roadway into water but does not sink right away, try to escape through a window. Because of differences in water pressure, you may not be able to open your car door. If your vehicle does sink, move to the back seat area where an air pocket usually forms. Take a deep breath and exit from a rear window.

Q) What if electricity falls on your vehicle?

If power lines fall on your vehicle, the danger of electrical shock exists. You should remain in your vehicle until help arrives. However, if fire is imminent, you must jump clear of the vehicle. DO NOT ALLOW ANY PART OF Y OUR BODY TO TOUCH THE VEHICLE AND THE GROUND AT THE SAME TIME.

Q) Use of a cellular phone during driving.

Use of cellular phone is prohibited. If it is important, stop the car and then talk.

Q) What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

Carbon Monoxide is a deadly poison. Symptoms of its poisoning are weariness, yawning, dizziness, nausea, headache and ringing in the ears. You can prevent it by regularly checking the exhaust system. Leave the windows partially open when starting the engine. Never run the engine in your garage.

Road Saf et y Tips f or

Cyclist
Before riding a cycle on roads see if you can; 1. 2. 3. 4. Ride in a straight line for 10 meters. Stop suddenly without falling. Give signals with one hand while riding. Look back over your shoulders and take a right turn comfortably. Before you go out on the road with your bicycle, ensure that; 1. The bicycle is easily noticeable. 2. There should be a headlight and rear reflector. 3. Reflectors are provided on spokes of wheels, on the pedals and on the front / rear mudguard. 4. Both the brakes are working properly 5. The bell rings properly. 6. The seat is so adjusted that your feet can touch the ground.

 While on the road with your bicycle, a. You should wear: 1. A cycle helmet made of light thermocol. 2. Appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel. 3. Light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you even in dark and poorly lit roads. 4. Reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark. b. You should also follow these rules: 1. Never ride with just one hand on the handle bar except when giving a signal. 2. Keep both feet on the pedals. 3. Use the cycle lane, wherever provided. 4. Never follow any vehicle closely. Maintain safe distance. 5. Do not carry anything which may affect your balance or may get tangled up with your cycle wheels or chain.

6. 7.

Avoid big and busy roads with fast moving traffic. Stop before you enter moving traffic from a driveway, a parking lot, a minor road, or from behind a parked car or bus. Go ahead only when the way is clear. 8. Always Ride on the left of the road. 9. Obey stop signs and traffic lights, like the rest of the traffic. 10. Before turning right at a crossing, look back over your shoulder, and give way to the traffic coming from behind. 11. Never ride your cycle on a footpath. 12. Never try to overtake- if you must, do it only if the driver of the vehicle in your front has permitted or signaled you to overtake. 13. Never try to overtake a vehicle, which is in the process of taking a turn. 14. Always follow the light signals. Any violation of the same is not only against the law but also dangerous to your life. 15. You should learn and understand the road sign and signal well. 16. Never stop suddenly without showing a signal. Watchfully move towards the left while slowing down, but signal your intentions to the traffic following you. 17. Under no circumstances should you ride on the wrong side of the road or cross the road abruptly.

Pedestrians
The most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities is to pay attention. You can significantly reduce your chances of being in a collision with a motor vehicle by obeying traffic rules. Make eye contact with drivers if possible and make sure that they can see you. Pedestrians must : 1. Where possible, avoid walking next to the kerb with your back to the traffic. If you have to step into the road, look both ways first. 2. Wear or carry something light coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (e.g. armbands, sashes, waistcoats and jackets), which can be seen, by drivers using headlights, up to three times as far away as nonreflective materials. 3. Young children should not be out alone on the pavement or road. When taking children out, walk between them and the traffic and hold their hands firmly. Strap very young children into push-chairs or use reins. 4. Always walk on the footpath, they are meant for you. Where there is no footpath, walk in the right side margin of the road so that you can see the traffic coming in the opposite direction. 5. Cross roads where there are pedestrian crossings / zebra crossing.

5.

Where there are no pedestrian crossings, watch the traffic on both sides and cross when it is safe. 6. You MUST NOT walk on motorways or slip roads except in an emergency 7. Never walk on the main carriageway, it could be fatal 8. Do not read newspapers or look at hoardings while walking on the road. 9. Do not greet friends on the road. Take them to the footpath or the side margin. 10. Do not come on to the main road while waiting for a bus. Stay on the footpath or at earmarked bus stoppage. 11. Where there are barriers, cross the road only at the gaps provided for pedestrians. Do not climb over the barriers or walk between them and the road. 12. Do not run after a moving bus. 13. You MUST NOT get on to or hold on to a moving vehicle. 14. When walking at night, wear retro-reflective outdoor clothing or shoes or lights to make you more visible. Avoid wearing dark clothing. 15. When using any type of crossing you should always check that the traffic has stopped before you start to cross or push a pram onto a crossing . Always cross between the studs or over the zebra markings. Do not cross at the side of the crossing or on the zig-zag

 We must follow the six-step crossing code whenever we have to cross the road :
1. THINK : What is a safe place to cross? Where can I see all the traffic properly? Make sure you are not hidden behind a parked car. 2. STOP: At the edge of the road where you have decided to cross. 3. LOOK and LISTEN: Look both ways, many time, to see if there is any traffic coming. 4. WAIT: For all the traffic to pass, and for road to be clear 5. CROSS: Walk straight across the road. 6. KEEP LOOKING and LISTENING: Keep looking in all directions as you cross the road until you get to the other side.

Situations needing extra care:

1. Emergency vehicles: If an ambulance, fire engine, police or other emergency vehicle approaches using flashing lights, headlights and/or sirens, keep off the road. 2. Buses: Get on or off a bus only when it has stopped to allow you to do so. Watch out for cyclists when you are getting off. Never cross the road directly behind or in front of a bus; wait until it has moved off and you can see clearly in both directions. 3. Railway level crossings: Do not cross if the red lights show, an alarm is sounding or the barriers are being lowered. The tone of the alarm will change if another train is approaching. If there are no lights, alarms or barriers, stop, look both ways and listen before crossing. 4. Street and pavement repairs: A pavement may be closed temporarily because

CHILDREN
Children should be taught the safety code and should not be allowed on the road alone until they can understand and follow it properly. Children learn by example, so parents and teachers should always follow the Code properly when going out with their children. They are responsible for deciding at what age children can use it safely by themselves.

 While Walking to School 1. Always walk on the footpath only. On roads without footpath, walk on the extreme right hand side of the roads. 2. Do not be impatient on the road. Do not rush or run on the road. 3. Cross only at Zebra crossings, traffic signals, subways, foot overbridges. Where such facilities do not exist, look for a safe place to cross. 4. At the signal lights, cross only on a clear green signal. If an intersection is controlled by a policeman, traffic warden or Civic Police Volunteers, cross only when he signals you to do so. 5. When crossing between vehicles parked on the side of the road, remember that you are not visible to the moving traffic (because the parked vehicles may be taller than you). Stop as you appear from behind the vehicle and look for a safe gap before crossing. Remember, drivers need plenty of time to see you and to slow down and stop. 6. While crossing wide roads that have central islands, always cross in two stages. Cross to the central Island , stop, and cross when the next section is clear. 7. While crossing one-way streets, remember that the traffic will usually be moving in a number of lanes and at higher speeds. Do not cross unless all lanes are clear. 8. Never cross a road at a corner/curve, as the motorist taking the turn will not be able to see you in time.

 While going by bus, 1. Leave home well in time, so that you won't have to run to catch the bus. 2. At the bus stand, always follow the queue. Board the bus only after it has come to a halt, without rushing in or pushing others. 3. While in the bus, shouting or making a noise is definitely bad manners. Such behavior can also distract the driver. 4. Do not board or alight at a bus stop other than the one decided by the school. Never board and alight at a red light crossing or unauthorized bus stop. 5. Always hold onto the handrail if standing in a moving bus, especially on sharp turns. 6. Do not sit, stand or travel on the footboard of the bus. 7. Do not put any part of your body outside a moving or stationary bus. 8. Always adhere to the bus safety rules.

 Guidelines for parents of school children : 1. Parents are equally responsible for the safety of their children during school journeys. 2. They must ensure that the mode of transport arranged by school or by themselves is absolutely safe. 3. Parents must play the role of vigilant observers. They should note down violations committed by school buses and immediately report to the authorities. 4. Parents must participate in P.T.A. meetings and discuss the safety aspects of their children. 5. While taking their children to school themselves, they should take proper care of their safety. 6. Parents must ensure that the children acquire the right knowledge and skills for safe use of roads. They should teach their children the basic rules of the road, how to walk and cross the road, how to alight and board a bus etc. 7. Parents should not allow their minor children to drive. 8. Parents must also ensure that the right attitude for a law abiding citizen is imparted to their children by the family. 9. Children are very good observers and therefore, parents must set an example by meticulously observing even small traffic rules.

 Essentials for a School Bus as ordered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India : 1. "School Bus" must be written on the back and front of the Bus. 2. If it is a hired bus, "On School Duty" should be clearly indicated 3. Bus must have a First-Aid-Box. 4. The windows of Bus must be fitted with horizontal grills. 5. There must be a Fire Extinguisher in the Bus. 6. School Name and Telephone No. must be written on the Bus. 7. The doors of the Bus should be fitted with reliable locks. 8. To keep School Bags safely, there should be a space fitted under the seats. 9. There must be an Attendant from the School in the Bus. 10.Any parent/guardian or a teacher may also travel to ensure these safety norms.

The above mentioned points as directed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India are mandatory for all school buses. Guidelines for Bus Commuters Bus commuters should never board or deboard a moving bus. Maintaining a queue while boarding the bus will help avoid unnecessary hustle and bustle and will also save time. Once inside the bus keep your calm avoid shouting or making noise that would distract the driver, always hold onto the handrail if standing in a moving bus, stay away from the footboard of the bus and never put any part of the body outside a moving or stationary bus. Commuters should observe the following guidelines when traveling on the bus : 1. Commuters should not distract the bus driver while the bus in motion. All queries and requests are to be directed to the bus driver prior to travel or at the end of the journey. 2. Commuters should conduct themselves in a respectable and responsible manner at all times ensuring that their behaviour does not endanger the comfort and safety of their fellow passengers or the bus driver. 3. The bus driver should not make any unscheduled stops in the

MOTORCYCLISTS
The motorized two-wheeler rider is the one most likely to sustain serious injuries no matter what he hits- a pedestrian, a cat or another vehicle. This is because he is traveling at a speed more than 15 kmph without any protection around, and the human body is not able to tolerate forces generated when the head or any other bone hits hard and rigid objects at speed higher than 15 kmph. Facts about Helmet : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. It It It It It It should should should should should should not obstruct vision. not impair your hearing. be light weight. not cause fatigue which causes crashes. not cause skin diseases. not increase the probability of neck injuries

Kinds of helmets to be used : It should have a thick padding of thermocole- at least 20 mmwhich must extend to the sides of the head. A full face helmet is safer by all means.

We can avoid accidents by following guidelines:

1. While driving always carry your driving license and important documents such as your vehicle registration certificate, insurance certificate, road tax and P.U.C certificate 2. MUST NOT carry more than one pillion rider and he/she MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat and should keep both feet on the footrests. 3. Make yourself as visible as possible from the sides as well as the front and rear. You could wear a white or brightly coloured helmet. Wear fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may also make you more conspicuous. 4. You should be aware of what is behind and in the sides before maneuvering. Look behind you; use mirrors if they are fitted. 5. Wear reflective clothing or strips to improve your chances of being seen in the dark. 6. Never Drink and drive. 7. Follow the traffic signals, lights and signs 8. Avoid using the cell phone when driving. If urgent move to left, stop and then take the call 9. Do not ride at high speeds. You may lose control and your life in the bargain 10.Always use a standard ISI helmet. Helmets MUST comply with the Regulations and they MUST be fastened securely. 11.Do not ride or wheel your vehicle on to the footpath 12.Use your lights when riding at night 13.Never stop abruptly in traffic. Move to the left and slow down 14.When passing a stationery vehicle allow sufficient clearance for the car doors

CAR DRIVERS
1. Always carry your driving license and important documents such as your vehicle registration certificate, insurance certificate, road tax and P.U.C certificate with you while driving. 2. Don't Drive under the influence of drugs. 3. Obey all traffic signals, lights and signs. 4. Use the indicator or hand signals when changing lanes. 5. Adhere to permitted speed limits. 6. Don't use your cell phone while driving. If you must, move to the left, halt and then make the call. 7. Irrespective of right of way, stay alert and be considerate to pedestrians especially senior citizens, handicapped, ladies and children. 8. Do not overload your vehicles - be it luggage or passengers. 9. Do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors or anything that restricts vision at night or in poor visibility conditions. 10.Do not drink and drive as it adversely affects your judgement and abilities. 11.Wear seat belts. 12.Always drive using the correct gear. 13.Avoid sudden braking and harsh acceleration. 14.Never use the clutch as footrest while driving.

Driving in fatigue enhances the probability of an accident. To minimise this risk you must follow these rules:
1. Make sure you are fit to drive. Do not undertake a long journey (longer than an hour) if you feel tired. 2. Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and early morning hours, when natural alertness is at its worst. 3. Plan your journey in breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended. 4. If you feel sleepy, stop at a safe place. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway 5. The most effective ways to counter sleepiness are to take a short nap (up to 15 minutes) or drink, two cups of strong coffee/tea. Fresh air, exercise or turning up the radio may help for a short time, but are not as effective.

Children in cars. Drivers who are carrying children in cars hould ensure that :
6. Children do not sit behind the rear seats in an estate car or hatchback, unless a special child seat has been fitted. 7. The child safety door locks, where fitted, are used when children are in the car. 8. Children are kept under control. 9. A rear-facing baby seat is never fitted into a seat protected by an AIRBAG.

ROAD SAFETY & ROAD SAFETY WEEK NEED FOR ROAD SAFETY ?
During the year 2009, 4,86,384 road accidents were reported in India in which 1,25,660 persons were killed and 5,15,458 persons were injured . Similarly, in the year 2010, in 4,99,628 road accidents, 1,34,527 persons were killed and 5,27,512 persons were injured across the country. The provisional figures of road accidents for the year 2011 indicated that 4,97,686 road accidents were reported leading to the death of 1,42,485 persons and injury to 5,11,394 persons. More than half of the persons killed in these road accidents were in the economically active age group of 25 to 65 years. The number of deaths and injuries in the road accidents is continuously on the rise since 2001 when 80,888 persons were killed and 4,50,216 persons were injured in the various road accidents in the country. The situation in West Bengal is no better than the rest of the country, wherein 4860 persons were killed and ,12,186 persons were injured in 11,134 road accidents in 2009. In 2010, 5860 persons were killed and 15,760 persons were injured in 14,888 road accidents. Similarly, 5664 persons were killed and 14,962 persons were injured in 14,985 road accidents in the year 2011 in the State.

The number of persons injured and killed per 10,000 kms of road length has more than doubled in the country since 1970. There has been more than 3 folds increase in the persons injured per lakh of population from 13 in 1970 to 44.8 in 2008. Similarly, the persons killed per lakh of population jumped 4 folds from 2.7 in 1970 to 11.4 in 2010. The Analysis of the road accidents in terms of the causative factors reveals that drivers fault is a single most important factor responsible for the accidents, fatalities and injuries. The exposure to the road accident risks may be mitigated by behavioral standards by adhering to road safety regulations and policy intervention. Many countries have curbed the menace of road accidents by adopting a multi prong approach to road safety that encompasses broad range of measures such as traffic management, designs and quality of road infrastructure, application of Intelligent Transport System, safer vehicles, law enforcement, effective and quick accident response and care and traffic safety awareness campaign etc. Therefore, there is a need to involve multi agencies/sectors like health, transport, NGOs, youth, general public and police for enforcing smooth and accident free drive on the Indias road net-work which is second largest in the world with over 3 million kms of road length of which 60% are

ROAD SAFETY WEEK

The keeping in view the bleak road safety scenario in the country, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India is observing Road Safety Week in the 1st week of January every year. During the year 2010 to 2012, the Road Safety Weeks were observed on the following themes in the country, including West Bengal : (i) National Road Safety Week, 2010 - Life Is Safe if Driving Is Safe (ii) National Road Safety Week, 2011 - Road Safety Mission, not Intermission (iii) National Road Safety Week, 2012 - Accident Brings Tears, Safety Brings Cheers. During the current year, Traffic Safety Week had been observed in the State by the District/ Traffic Branches of Commissionerate from January 1 to 7, 2013 on the theme- Stay Alive, Do Not Drink and Drive, in order to inculcate the sense of road safety and create awareness amongst masses. During the Road Safety Week, Rallies, Seminars, Traffic Awareness Programmes, display of banners, Road Signs, dos and donts of Road Safety at important traffic junctions, organisation of exhibitions, distribution of pamphlets, Road Safety materials amongst the road users was done throughout the State to highlight the significance of Road Safety.

The various NGOs, school children, NCC boys, scouts, prominent citizens and general public participated in Traffic Safety Week programmes organized in the State. The Government of India is contemplating to add a chapter in the school curriculum across the country to educate the young mind highlighting the requirement of the road safety. The West Bengal Traffic Police Headquarters has impressed upon the field units to organize traffic safety awareness and education programmes throughout the year involving the road users and the community at large. To achieve the desired results, they have been asked to formulate an annual calendar of Road Safety Campaign giving details of events to be organized throughout the year.

IMPORTANT WAYS TO AVOID ACCIDENTS

1. Drive in the prescribed speed limits on the various roads. Always remember that Speed thrills but kills. 2. Always put on helmets, seat belts and other safety equipments before driving a bicycle/ motor cycle/vehicle. Always remember that Safety saves. 3. Do not drink and drive. Always remember that You cannot hold a pen properly after two pegs, what about the driving wheel? 4. Never use mobile phones or ear phones while driving. Always remember A mobile call on the road may be the last call of your life. 5. Know the traffic signs, signals, lights and traffic safety rules before you hit the road. Always remember that Road safety rules are best tools to avoid accidents. 6. Do not drive for long hours in a stretch. Have a proper beaks after every 2 hours of continuous driving. Always remember that Man is a man and not a machine.