Bengaluru: Minister for Transport and Muzrai, Ramalinga Reddy, emphasized the importance of physical activity for better health and mental peace, stating that a calm mind allows for cautious driving and travel, thereby ensuring road safety. He spoke during the launch of the “Namma Road Namma Surakshate” 5K ‘Safe-a-Thon’ awareness campaign on Saturday at the Kanteerava Stadium, organized by the Transport Department in collaboration with Bengaluru Traffic Police.
Reddy urged citizens to adopt vigilance instead of blaming others for accidents and road safety. He highlighted that in a metropolitan area like Bengaluru, most accidents occur due to haste and chaos. “If we leave a little earlier, there will be no question of hurry,” he said, adding that stress from being rushed often leads to various health issues.
Traffic Commissioner Yogesh A.M. commented that road safety is not just about obeying rules; it is a monumental responsibility to save every citizen’s invaluable life. He stressed that the caution and restraint exhibited while traveling can help protect the lives of not only the driver’s family but also other road users. He called upon everyone to contribute to building an accident-free society by strictly following traffic regulations.
City Police Commissioner Siment Kumar Singh reiterated that road safety is a collective responsibility. He urged all vehicle operators to understand the importance of safeguarding not only their own lives but also the lives of others. He noted that many accidents arise from excessive speeding due to urgency or excitement. To combat the increasing incidents of such accidents in Bengaluru, the police are taking stringent measures, including enforcing laws against one-way violations and reckless driving.
Cricketer Sunil Joshi raised concerns over the usage of mobile phones while driving, highlighting the risks it poses to both drivers and others on the road. He advised that mobile phones should not be used while driving for any reason and suggested pulling over safely to make calls if urgent.
The event saw participation from 13,000 individuals, including Transport Secretary N.V. Prasad, Commissioner Yogesh, Youth and Sports Department Commissioner Chetan, Joint Police Commissioner of the Traffic Division Karthik Reddy, Chairman of Kaveri Hospital Vijay Bhaskaran, and other senior officials from the department.
