Messages will be displayed on the variable meÂssage sign (VMS) boÂarÂds across the city from Thursday and there are also plans to conduct an awÂareness rally next weÂek, said Karuna SaÂgar, additional commissioner of police (traffic).
“For now, we are focusiÂng on the awareness drÂiÂve by asking our personnÂel to distribute pamphÂlÂets, hold placards and ofÂfÂer tips verbally to driveÂrs. AÂfter a week, we will stÂÂÂart enforcement with a fine of Rs 100 for first-time ofÂfÂenders and Rs 300 for reÂpÂeat offenders,” he added.
The seat belt rule had always been there, “but we just wanted to revive the safety awareness amÂong people,” said a senior traffic official. “We have also planned to have a drive among call taxi drivers as they ply the city roads the most these days. According to statistics, of the 17 fatalities this year, 11 were of those in the driver’s seat.”
On Wednesday, in the KilÂpauk range, traffic peÂrÂsonnel along with studÂeÂnts of Kerala VidyaÂlayÂam distributed pamphlets and advised people to weÂar seat belts. “We thought that this would be a good move to create awareness among the people and it was well received as expÂected. It is also good for students as they grow up to learn about road safety,” said Alexander, range inspector, Kilpauk.
The city traffic police’s primary aim is to enÂsure the safety of those on the road, penalising is only seÂcondary, another senior official said, expÂlÂaÂÂinÂing why the traffic poÂlÂice was all of a sudden emÂbaÂrked on a drive to create awÂareness about a rule thÂat always existed.
