Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

12-point NATPAC action plan for road safety

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Improvement of accident prone areas, setting up of driver training, testing and licensing centres in all districts, emergency medical assistance to victims and use of hi-tech gadgets to deal with traffic law offenders figure among the 12-point Road Safety Action Plan chalked out to bring down the road accidents in the state.

The action plan, prepared by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) for the Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA), also aims at providing more resources to road safety projects in the State and to maintain downward trend in accidents achieved during the last two years.

The KRSA, which had been involved in coordination and management of road safety activities since it was set up on January 1, 2008, would take steps to further enhance the inter-departmental coordination with the PWD, transport, police, health and developmental agencies at the State, district and taluk levels.

The GeoKAMS software for accident reporting and data analysis, implemented in select police stations, would be expanded and traffic police and Motor Vehicle Department officials would be imparted training in its use.

Pubic safety campaigns would be launched for mass education to encourage use of helmets and seat belts, end dangerous overtaking, over-speeding and jumping of yellow line and stop lines.

The PWD with the help of NATPAC and the Kerala Highway Research Institute (KHRI) would review safety issues with respect to road planning and design. A manual ‘Safety-conscious highway design standards’ would be adopted and specific sections on safety at road works would be incorporated in it.

Road Safety Auditing of existing roads and new roads would be carried out in a phased manner. Cycle tracks would be created in areas such as Chavara and Mavelikara having large number of cycles.

Accident-prone locations in all roads would be identified and improved in a phased manner. The PWD and NATPC would carry out ‘Before and After’ studies for all remedial works and evaluate the effectiveness of the road safety schemes. Speed-breakers, zebra lines and reflectors would be provided wherever found necessary.

Road safety education would be made part of the curriculum for enhancing road safety awareness among the young at an early stage. Education material for children, teachers guide and teacher training programmes would be undertaken. Pedestrian subways and over-bridges near schools would be set up as per the need.

Introduction of graduate licensing system and hazard perception test for those coming for driving licence would be explored. Amendments to the existing legislation would be looked into.

The action plan has also mooted review of the current practices in rendering emergency medical assistance. The emergency medical services would be strengthened. The current vehicle testing system, standards and practice would be reviewed and training would be imparted to official.

Besides making available modern communication equipment to nab the traffic offenders, a task force headed by a Circle Inspector would be formed in localities having high accident rate.

Driver training and testing centres have been mooted in all districts in a phased manner. NATPAC, Engineering colleges, KHRI, Institute of Driver Training and Research and Design wing of the PWD would be encouraged to take up road safety research. Funding of research projects would be provided by the KRSA. An official said the action plan would be taken up on a priority basis. The situation would be monitored on a regular basis and corrective steps would be taken to ensure road safety.

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