world day of remembrance

Mr.Ganesan lost his father to a #speeding vehicle. He shares how road crashes not only kill but also have a huge social & economical impact on families. His voice urges us to be more responsible on roads. What are your thoughts? #RoadAccidents #RoadSafety #WorldDayOfRemembrance

Mr.Rajesh Khanna, a resident of #Chennai highlights how distracted driving has been normalised & why we don't see it as a critical road risk anymore. As a road crash victim (leg injury) he also sheds light on the #employment & financial challenges that survivors face on a daily basis. We cannot shrug off the real financial implications of even minor crashes & how some of these can be life changing. 

#RoadAccidents #RoadSafety #WorldDayOfRemembrance

#TamilNadu's recent move on increase in penalties as a deterrant for various #traffic violations as per the #MVAA2019, has garnered mixed reactions from the citizens. Highlighting this concern at the event commemorating #WDoR2022, Thiru.M.Manakumar, Additional Transport Commissioner, TNSTA, said that it important for all road users to understand that these enforcement measures are to prioritise their own safety on roads. 

#RoadSafety #RememberSupportAct #Justice 

Globally, road crashes kill 1.35 million people and injure 50 million people every year. Road Traffic Injuries are the leading cause of death amongst children and young adults. It is important to recognise that road crashes not only contribute to the unaccountable suffering of victims, their friends and families but also impact economically productive young lives thereby draining the GDP of the nation. . India witnesses more than 400 road fatalities every day (WHO, 2018). It is important to promote evidence based actions to reduce the impact of this epidemic of road crashes and their socio-economic fallouts.

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR) is a day observed globally to remember the millions killed and injured on our world’s roads, together with their families, friends and many others who are also affected. WDoR is commemorated every year on the third Sunday of November. Considering the numerous crashes and fatalities that take place daily on Indian roads, this day is of enormous relevance to Indian road users.

This year, WDoR was commemorated in a joint event by CAG, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP), and the Tamilnadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University (TNDALU). The programme was kickstarted with a road safety quiz for students from city colleges - JBAS, Patrician, and TNDALU. This was followed by screening of an animation video on road safety that highlighted the need for wearing helmets, driving within speed limits, and not drinking and driving.

📷 Keynote address by Thiru.Shankar Jiwal, IPS | Photo: CAG

The Chief Guest was Thiru Shankar Jiwal, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Chennai who spoke on the efforts taken by the government on improving road safety, in particular the enforcement of road rules by the police. He highlighted the socio economic fallouts of a road crash, and that as a society, “We need more discussions on the causes of road crashes and how we can effectively ensure course correction.” He also felicitated the winners of the quiz competition and honoured various officials of the GCTP for their outstanding work in promoting road safety.

📷 Felicitation of police personnel by the chief guest | Photo: CAG

The event also saw the participation of the Additional Transport Commissioner, Mr. M. Manakumar. He appealed to all citizens to cooperate with the authorities adding that “Penalties have been increased as per the MVAA 2019 to act as a deterrent to risky road behaviour. They should not be perceived as harassment.” Sumana Narayanan, Senior Researcher, CAG, also emphasised that “The increased penalties under MVAA 2019 being implemented in Tamil Nadu is a welcome move. This should serve as a deterrent to poor driving. Penalties are a crucial tool in nudging citizens to obey the law and thereby avoid road crashes.” Participants also heard real life experiences from two road crash victims. The event concluded with the chief guests and other dignitaries including the Vice Chancellor of TNDALU, Prof. Dr. N.S. Santhosh Kumar and the Additional Commissioner (Traffic), Thiru. Kapil C. Saratkar lighting candles and observing a minute of silence in memory of the precious lives lost on Indian roads. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from college students, faculty members, representatives from Civil Society Organizations and media.

📷 Remembering the precious lives lost on roads | Photo: CAG

CAG, in collaboration with the Greater Chennai Traffic Police & the School of Excellence in Law, commemorated #WDoR2022 on the Nov 22nd. Chief guest Thiru.Shankar Jiwal IPS, Commissioner of Police, GCP highlighted the need to prioritise human life by enabling discussions on the causes of road crashes & encouraged everyone to inculcate road discipline collectively as road users.

WDoR 2022 was commemorated in a joint event by CAG, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police, and the Dr. Ambedkar Law University. Thiru Shankar Jiwal, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Chennai and Mr. M. Manakumar, Additional Transport Commissioner felicitated the event. 

To remember the many precious lives killed and injured in Tamil Nadu's roads and to commend the efforts taken by the state consistently to promote road safety, we at CAG are organising an event titled “Tamil Nadu’s MARCH towards Vision ZERO”, in collaboration with the School of Excellence in Law and Greater Chennai Traffic Police on 22nd November 2022. Come join us and express your solidarity in creating safer roads for all.

#RoadCrashes impact families - financially compromising quality of life causing time poverty for women etc. With this year's theme being #Justice it's important to practice road discipline, create a just post-crash care system to reduce deaths & severe injuries.  #WDoR2022 #RememberSupportAct