300 NCC Cadets Take Road Safety Pledge at Sisai College in Gumla

Around 300 NCC cadets from more than two dozen educational institutions across Gumla, Simdega and Lohardaga districts participated in a large-scale road safety awareness campaign at B.N. Jalan College in Sisai. The programme, organised on the directions of District Transport Officer (DTO) Satender Mahto, focused on promoting responsible driving habits and preventing road accidents.

The participating cadets collectively pledged to follow traffic rules and spread awareness about road safety in their communities.

Moving beyond conventional lectures, the road safety team used a projector to show video clips and photographs illustrating the major causes of road accidents and their often devastating consequences. The visual presentations aimed to help young participants understand the risks associated with traffic violations and the importance of preventive measures.

Addressing the cadets, members of the road safety team emphasised the importance of wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers and using seat belts in four-wheelers. They explained that these basic safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in road accidents.

The cadets were also encouraged to lead by example by following traffic rules themselves and motivating their family members, friends and neighbours to do the same.

The team highlighted speeding, reckless driving, riding without helmets, driving under the influence of alcohol and triple riding as major factors contributing to road accidents, particularly those involving two-wheelers.

Information on accident assistance and compensation

The awareness session also covered government provisions intended to encourage assistance to accident victims and provide relief to affected families.

Under the Good Samaritan scheme, individuals who help road accident victims reach a hospital within the critical first hour, commonly known as the golden hour, may receive a cash reward of Rs 2,000 and a certificate of appreciation, subject to the applicable scheme provisions.

The team also explained the compensation provisions for hit-and-run cases. Under the scheme, compensation of Rs 2 lakh is provided in cases of death, while victims who suffer grievous injuries may receive Rs 50,000, subject to eligibility and applicable rules.

Participation from educational institutions

Cadets and teachers from several institutions attended the programme, including B.N. Jalan College, Sisai; Polytechnic College, Gumla; DAV Public School, Gumla; K.O. College; Simdega College; Tana Bhagat College; S.K. Bage College, Ghaghra; Ursuline Girls High School; St Joseph's High School, Konbir; Lutheran High School; Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Gumla; DAV College, Simdega; and St Peter's School, Tongo.

The participation of students from across the three districts provided an opportunity to reinforce road safety awareness among young people, who can play an important role in encouraging safer behaviour on roads and reducing preventable accidents.