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Making good drivers better

Staff Reporter

AASI to set up driver training school

BANGALORE: The Automobile Association of Southern India (AASI) is planning to establish a driver training school in Bangalore to impart advanced training to aspiring as well as experienced drivers.

While Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T.R. Baalu has promised a grant of Rs. 3 crore to set up the school, the AASI will request the State Government for 15 acres of land, according to AASI president T.D. Sadasivam.

Tamil Nadu has two such schools, one run by the Government and the other by Ashok Leyland.

Speaking to presspersons here after the inauguration of the AASI’s premises, Mr. Sadasivam said the Association had already been providing training in defensive driving to drivers of various companies and schools. “We’ll work closely with the Government as road safety is paramount for all,” Mr. Sadasivam said.

The AASI also plans to impart road safety education to school and college students to promote road discipline and bring down the number of accidents. The association, which celebrated its centenary last year, is a voluntary organisation of like-minded people recognised by the Centre as well as the southern State Governments. It offers various transport-related services to members and imparts road safety education to the public.

Arvind Ratnam, member of the AASI’s executive committee, said there were plans to reach out to a wider section of society. “We have access to various international automobile associations, and shortly we will be on a par with similar associations across the world,” he said.

Joint Commissioner for Transport M.K. Aiyappa, who inaugurated the premises, said Karnataka was the first State to allow the AASI to facilitate the issuing of international driving licence. “Having been in touch with the Association for 15 years, I have found that it renders yeoman service to members as well as to society.”

Mr. Aiyappa said the activities of the AASI had not reached the people because of lack of publicity.

AASI vice-president V. Narayanan said the association acted as a facilitator of services to its members and complemented the Government’s work. The AASI helped in re-registration, renewal of driving licence, cancellation of hypothecation, issue of fitness certificate and a whole lot of regional transport office-related services. The Insurance Regulatory Authority had allowed a five per cent discount, up to a maximum of Rs. 200, in motor vehicle insurance to members of the AASI, he said.

The Association also offers travel tips to members, various kinds of assistance to members outside their hometown, attends to breakdowns and the like.

Those who own a four-wheeler are eligible to become members of the association. The AASI’s Bangalore office is situated at 305, House of Lords, 15 & 16, St. Mark’s Road.

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