HT Correspondent
DILLAI, Aug 30: A road safety awareness campaign was organised by the District Road Safety Committee (DRSC) in collaboration with the District Press Club of Karbi Anglong (DPCKA) for the students of Dillai Higher Secondary School. The campaign aimed to educate students about road safety measures and responsible behaviour on the road. The awareness program took place in the examination hall and was attended by students and teaching staff.
Senior journalist Sonju Bora, while addressing the students, emphasised the importance of adhering to road safety rules and regulations. He highlighted the dos and don’ts of road safety, particularly for riders of two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Bora stressed the mandatory use of helmets for riders and pillion passengers on two-wheelers, with violations resulting in fines and even suspension of driving licenses. He informed the students that helmets should bear the ISI mark when purchasing.
Given that many students walk to school, Bora advised caution when crossing roads. He emphasised the need to check both sides for approaching vehicles before crossing and not to run along the road. Bora also shared the unfortunate statistic that, up to August 2023, 43 lives had been lost due to road accidents.
Bora informed the students that obtaining a driving license is only permissible after turning 18 years old. Driving without a valid license could lead to fines of up to Rs 25,000. Secretary of DPCKA, Danielson Bey, stressed on the importance of following road signs and using zebra crossings while crossing roads. He urged students to be mindful of road markings and signs, such as stop lines, broken white lines, continuous white lines, and double white lines.
The headmistress, Jayanti Teronpi, also accentuated the need for caution while walking on roads. She expressed concern about students running along roads without paying attention to approaching vehicles, emphasising the risks involved.
Assistant secretary of DPCKA, Vivian Longki Rongpi, introduced the speaker and other guests at the event. The road safety awareness campaign aimed to equip students with essential knowledge to ensure their safety while navigating roads and intersections.