Making Roads a Safe Place Through Workshops

Every year, road traffic mortality is increasing exponentially, and irresponsible driving and drunken driving are persistent behavioral problems that every country is facing.

Road traffic deaths have reached alarming levels across the world, with 1.35 million people dying in traffic accidents every year, but India’s road safety is the worst on record. Around 149,000 people lost their lives on Indian roads in 2018 alone. India accounts for about 2% of motor vehicles globally, yet it’s responsible for more than 11% of road traffic deaths.

Every hour there are at least 20 fatal road accidents that take place due to rash driving, speeding or drunk driving which are majorly behavior-driven acts. While impaired driving can lead to fatalities and serious injuries, the experience leaves the people involved and those witnessing it with scars for a lifetime.

In India, over 2,60,000 deaths are attributed to alcohol. Of which, 50,000 lives could have been saved with effective enforcement of laws and regulations. The magnitude of the problem is so high, that globally driving under the influence of alcohol is the 8th leading cause of death. Further, this also economically impacts a country.

Intervention through workshops

The government has taken strict measures to curb drinking and driving. Police officers are stationed at multiple checkpoints to identify those driving under influence. If caught, the perpetrators are fined large sums and their vehicle, as well as the license, is seized.

These can be collected only after paying the fine in court.

Apart from this, even restaurants serving alcohol are being cautious about their customer’s safety. Some of them have designated valets to drop you home if you have had a few drinks. The service is provided at an additional cost but is 100% for your safety. Some startups have also launched applications to book chauffeurs to give you a ride home.

Despite having so many alternatives to have a fun evening, many take the risk of driving under influence. While some are lucky enough to make it home, many don’t.

Understanding the magnitude of the problem, BharatCares has launched a flagship program – Wrong Side of the Road under CSRBOX in partnership with the international beverage company Diageo. This serves as a solution to reduce the increasing road accidents which are caused due to rash driving, drunken driving and overspeeding.

What do they do?

The initiative enables responsible road behavior, urges people to follow road safety protocols, and educates them about anti-drink and driving through real-time examples. The program is designed to deliver preventive road safety education to participants between the ages of 18 – 45 years.

The program is implemented to the public through various delivery models. The organization partners with government agencies related to the transport sector, corporates, and academic institutions. In certain cities, there are dedicated centers in transport offices with a trainer. Here, when a person approaches to get their license, they are made to undergo the workshop.

Enabling safe road behavior

The training is provided via virtual video calls or physical workshops.

Those who are of legal driving age are shown videos of testimonials from those who have suffered near-death experiences owing to driving under influence. Further, they are made aware of its ill effects and are provided with certifications after undergoing the training.

The initiative launched in October 2021 has been carried out in 11 states and over one lakh people have benefitted from the same.

If you would like to know more about this initiativeclick here.