Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

Accidents up despite awareness programmes

District Revenue Officer S. Kuppusamy (third left) recognising a driver with an accident free record in Udhagamandalam on Monday.–

Udhagamandalam: The observance of traffic safety week by the transport department got underway here on Monday.

In his inaugural address the District Revenue Officer S. Kuppusamy lamented that despite many programmes being organised every year to enhance awareness about the consequences of reckless driving the number of accidents was on the rise.

He added that among the major contributory factors were driving after drinking and using cell phones while driving.

Urging motorists to constantly think of the consequences of rash driving,he hoped that all will join hands to make the Nilgiris an accident free district.

The Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Rajiv K. Srivastava said that since about 60 per cent of the district was under forests motorists should exercise caution and avoid running over wild animals. The drivers should also ensure that bush fires are not started by careless smokers. He announced that prizes will be given to drivers and conductors of buses who create awareness about the benefits of being careful.

The Regional Transport Officer, D. Venkataraman, said that lessons should be learnt from the growing number of accidents.

The Divisional Manager, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Shanmuga Velayudham, said that in preventing accidents the responsibility of bus drivers was more. Manager, TNSTC, Vivekanandhan proposed a vote of thanks.

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