TAWANG, 29 Jan: Observing the National Road Safety Month, the Tawang district transport office, in collaboration with the district administration and the district police, organised a road safety awareness programme on Wednesday at the Old Market here.
Addressing the gathering, Tawang SP Dr DW Thongon said that “everyone is a driver today,” highlighting the importance of traffic awareness for all road users. He urged taxi drivers to proactively brief tourists on the dos and don’ts issued by the district administration, and emphasised that national security is a shared responsibility, informing drivers about restrictions on foreign tourist movement in certain sensitive locations of Tawang.
District Transport Officer Rinchin Leta spoke on traffic discipline and safe driving behaviour. He noted that one life is lost every four minutes in India due to road accidents – many because of delayed assistance.
He also highlighted the Raah Veer scheme, a Government of India initiative encouraging citizens to help accident victims without fear of legal consequences.
DSP Kesang Norbu appealed to the participants to not only listen but also practically implement traffic rules, underlining that road safety is essential for both drivers and pedestrians.
Inspector Niyi Angu explained the legal implications of traffic violations, and urged strict compliance with traffic laws, while MVI AL Khushwaha provided detailed information on traffic signs and road symbols.
Taxi Union Tawang president Tashi Dondup appealed to drivers to keep snow chains ready, especially during winter months, to prevent accidents caused by black ice.
As part of the programme, free helmets were distributed to selected riders. The district transport officer informed that similar road safety awareness programmes will continue at schools, colleges, and other areas across the district. (DIPRO)
