National Road Safety Month from January 1, public must participate: Ponnam Prabhakar

Hyderabad: Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday called on citizens to actively participate in the National Road Safety Month, which will be observed across Telangana from January 1 to January 31.

As part of the campaign, the Transport Department will organise road safety programmes in all districts, mandals and villages. Through these activities, the government aims to spread awareness on traffic rules and responsible road behaviour.

Citing official data, the minister said road accidents continued to account for a large number of deaths every year. He stressed that following traffic rules strictly could significantly reduce such fatalities.

To build awareness early, he urged students to take a road safety pledge along with their parents. He also appealed to schools to enrol students in road safety clubs.

National Road Safety Month to focus on rule compliance

During the month-long drive, the minister asked citizens to follow Transport Department guidelines. These include wearing helmets, avoiding drunk driving and refraining from overspeeding.

He also cautioned against travelling on the wrong side of the road, noting that such violations often result in fatal accidents. According to him, consistent rule compliance was key to safer roads.

Emphasising collective responsibility, Ponnam Prabhakar said the success of the National Road Safety Month depended on public participation. He added that public representatives, officials, students and citizens must all act as partners in the initiative.

The minister said the campaign aimed to promote a culture of road discipline and ensure safer travel across Telangana.