Soft groups to save accident victims in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: In an effort to save the lives of accident victims, Thiruvananthapuram city and Rural police station will form a volunteer group involving citizens under the banner of Save Our Fellow Traveller (SOFT). The pilot project in the capital requires each Circle Inspector to form a group of at least 50 volunteers who are likely to be on the road frequently. This involves shopkeepers, autorickshaw drivers, headload workers, students, residents of houses near highways and roads.

The onlookers are usually the first respondents and improper handling worsens the situation. Hence, SOFT aims at equipping people to take the victim to a nearby hospital. “It has been noted that people are afraid of helping traffic accident victims because of the apparent fear of becoming witnesses in the courts, fear of facing questions from the police and hospital authorities, fear of facing civic and criminal liabilities. The presence of an adequately trained work force is essential to tackle the situation. Since no such comprehensive trained group works effectively to deal with the accident, the need for creating a volunteer force became significant,” said IG Manoj Abraham.

The Public can volunteer for the programme through the nearest Circle office. August 10 will be the last date for sending applications and nomination. After a one-day training, volunteers will get a certificate and a waterproof jacket. The selection will be after assessing the enthusiasm of aspirants who should be 10th standard pass. The list of lifesavers will be publicised among emergency service agencies and a monthly meeting of lifesavers will be held at police stations. Though similar groups existed in the form of autorickshaw driver task forces, the groups have become inactive over a period of time.