Ranchi road safety drive reaches 700 helmetless riders, uses street plays to spread awareness
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi: The Transport Department conducted a road safety awareness campaign at Daladali Chowk, Tilta Chowk, Ormanjhi and other…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi: The Transport Department conducted a road safety awareness campaign at Daladali Chowk, Tilta Chowk, Ormanjhi and other rural areas of Ranchi district, urging motorists and residents to follow traffic rules and adopt responsible road-use practices.
The campaign was held in the presence of Transport Secretary Rajiv Ranjan and aimed to reduce road accidents, promote civic sense and encourage public participation in road safety.
Ranjan said protecting citizens’ lives and reducing road accidents were among the key priorities of the Hemant Soren-led state government. He said the Chief Minister had emphasised the need to develop civic sense among citizens and make road safety rules part of everyday behaviour.
During the drive, around 600–700 two-wheeler riders found travelling without helmets were made aware of the risks involved. They were told that wearing a helmet was not merely a legal requirement but an essential precaution that could reduce the risk of serious head injuries and death in the event of an accident.
The campaign focused on changing public behaviour rather than limiting road safety efforts to penal action. Motorists were advised to follow traffic rules, observe speed limits, wear helmets and take necessary precautions while driving.
Ranjan appealed to citizens to treat road safety as both a personal and social responsibility. He urged them to wear helmets, avoid illegal parking, keep roads free from encroachment and encourage others to follow traffic rules.
He also highlighted the lasting impact of road fatalities on families, particularly when the death of a family’s principal earning member leaves dependants facing emotional and financial hardship.
Free Helmets, Pamphlets Distributed
To make the campaign more engaging, organisers adopted a participatory approach. Riders were welcomed with garlands and offered sweets while being encouraged to follow safe driving practices.
Free helmets and road safety pamphlets were distributed, and participants took a pledge to observe traffic rules sincerely.
Street Plays Use Yamraj to Deliver Road Safety Message
Artists staged street plays and cultural performances to highlight the dangers of riding without helmets, violating traffic rules and driving recklessly.
In one of the performances, an actor portraying Yamraj symbolically warned motorists against ignoring road safety precautions. The presentations attracted public attention and sought to communicate the importance of responsible driving in an engaging manner.
Shopkeepers Urged to Keep Roads Free of Encroachment
The campaign also addressed illegal parking and encroachment on roads and footpaths. Shopkeepers and local residents were urged not to place goods on public roads or extend merchandise beyond their shops in ways that obstruct traffic.
Residents were also asked to ensure that large vehicles were parked only in designated or appropriate spaces to prevent congestion and reduce accident risks.
Transport Department to Continue Awareness Drives
The Transport Department said similar awareness campaigns would continue to encourage safer road behaviour, curb illegal parking and encroachment, and improve traffic management across Ranchi district and the state.
Those present included Ranchi District Transport Officer Akhilesh Kumar, Motor Vehicle Inspector Rahul Siddharth, IT Assistant Kavita Kumari, Road Safety Engineers Gaurav Kumar and Abhay Kumar, Road Safety Mitra Ashutosh Dwivedi, traffic police personnel and other Transport Department officials and staff.
