Uttar Pradesh Police Initiates "Safe and Self-Reliant India, Ride Safe India" Campaign

Prashant Kumar, the Director General of Police in Uttar Pradesh, spearheaded a crucial discussion on February 5, 2024, at the Gomtinagar Police Headquarters in Lucknow. Focused on the theme of "Safe and Self-Reliant India," aligned with the "Stockholm Declaration-2020" of the Uttar Pradesh government, the discussion aimed to slash the mortality rate in road accidents by 50% by 2030. The event unfolded in the conference hall dedicated to Rani Laxmibai, Veerangana Laxmibai, and Gatha, Ranee, adhering to the directives of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion:

1. Police's Crucial Role: Emphasizing the significance of traffic management and road safety, the discussion underscored that a robust police system's evaluation extends beyond maintaining law and order. It also hinges on successful traffic management, fostering a positive image of the police through efficient and secure traffic operations.

2. 5 Essential Pillars of Road Safety (5E): Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Emergency Care, and Environment constitute the pillars that significantly contribute to reducing accident rates and fatalities on roads.

3. Year-Round Initiatives: The Uttar Pradesh Police, in collaboration with various government and non-government entities, is dedicated to year-round efforts aimed at curbing road accidents and fatalities. November is designated as Traffic Month, marked by specific programs crafted to achieve the objective of lowering accident rates and improving traffic management.

4. Traffic Month Activities: Initiatives during Traffic Month encompass awareness programs, competitions, short movie screenings in cinemas, advertisements featuring notable personalities/officers in local newspapers, and the dissemination of traffic rules awareness through various channels, including FM radio and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc.

5. Safe Riding Campaign: Various governmental and non-governmental organizations are actively involved in endeavors to reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from road accidents. A notable cause of increased casualties in two-wheeler accidents is the non-use of helmets by riders. In response, The New Indian Express and Hero MotoCorp Limited have initiated the "Safe and Self-Reliant India, Ride Safe India" campaign.

6. Symbolic Gesture: To underscore their commitment, helmets and jackets were symbolically provided to the Traffic Police of Lucknow by The New Indian Express and Hero MotoCorp Limited.

The event witnessed the presence of esteemed officials, including the Additional Director General of Police, Police Inspector General, Police Deputy Inspector General Traffic Headquarters Lucknow, and the Commissioner of Police Lucknow, among other senior officers. The initiative signifies a significant step toward fostering a safer and more self-reliant India on the roads.