Traffic training park inaugurated in Odisha capital

Reported by Santosh Jagdev

Bhubaneswar, Jan 12:

Odisha Transport Minister Ramesh Majhi today inaugurated a permanent mini traffic training park inside the Traffic police station location near the AG square here to train traffic violators, especially the youth.

The inauaguration of the traffic training park is part of the Traffic Awareness Week being observed by the Commissionerate police.

The traffic park was inaugurated by in the presence of city mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, twin city Commissioner of Police (CP) Dr RP Sharma, Additional Commissioner PS Ranpise, city DCP Traffic MN Baidhar, DCP headquarter Amrita Dash and officer bearers of Lokmitra Foundation and Citizens Traffic Awareness Committee (LFCTAC).

Speaking on the occasion, the Transport minister said the share of youths in deaths caused by rash or negligent driving and violation of traffic rules was as high as 30%. “If we look at the figures for 2013, road accidents took a toll of 4062 lives in the state. The number of accidents is constantly going up due to the addition of more vehicles on the streets. I hope this traffic park would train the young masses about the dangers of rash driving  and help reduce the number of accidents.”

Twin City commissioner of police (CP) Dr RK Sharma said the traffic training park has several features, including traffic signals providing mandatory, informative and cautionary symbols, roads marked with zebra crossings and miniature bus stops to help traffic violators learn road discipline.

“Traffic violators caught by traffic officials will be given one hour training on traffic rules to arrest the rising number of accident,” the CP said.

This apart, small kiosks have been put up inside the park to sensitize traffic violators about the importance of using helmets and seat belst. Besides, a photo exhibition on gory road accidents has been organized to dissuade people from drunken driving, exceeding speed limits and using mobile phone while driving,.

On the occasio, the minister felicitated two former DGPs of the state – LC Amarnath and SN Tiwari – for their commendable work towards improving the policing system.

The minister also handed over prizes to nine college students, who participated in painting and quiz competitions on the subject ‘Traffic Awareness and Women’s safety’ and ‘Women’s safety in India’ respectively.

The theme for traffic awareness week, which started on January 11 and will continue till January 17, this year is ‘Road safety is no just a slogan but a way of life’.