A road safety awareness program was organised by Motor Vehicle Department Ladakh and Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Kargil on January 23 at Bus stand, Kargil.

The awareness program was organised as a part of the various activities underway in the district in connection with the 32nd National Road Safety Month which commenced from 18 January across the country.

Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Ladakh, Tsering Paldan; ARTO Kargil Khadim Hussain; District Traffic Inspector (DTI) Kargil, Nissar Ali, Presidents of various transports unions, drivers and passengers were present on the occasion.

RTO Ladakh, Tsering Paldan said that the main objective behind observing countrywide National Road Safety Month is to give mass awareness about road safety rules. The purpose of organizing this program is to minimize the numbers of death and injuries caused due to various road accidents happening across Ladakh. 

He said that if transporters, drivers, and travellers strictly follow road safety and traffic rules, it will surely decrease the number of the accidents because one of the major reasons for road accidents is the violation of traffic laws and regulations.

RTO Ladakh said that with the opening of Zojila Pass and arrival of tourist, a number of road accidents was reported because of the hilly terrain. He further expressed his gratitude to the transporters for their significant role and contribution in giving awareness to the general public about road safety rules. 

He said that continuing this effort, today transporters have provided free transportation services to the general public within the 25 kms radius of district headquarters which is highly appreciable and a welcome step.

ARTO Kargil, Khadim Hussain highlighted various laws in respect of travelling passengers like offering seats to specially abled persons, senior citizens and ladies in public transport and stressed on the drivers to adhere to these rules.

He said that in a very short span of time, number of vehicles has increased in Kargil district which has also increased cases of road accidents. He also sought active support and cooperation of transporters to minimize road accidents happening in Kargil district.

Stickers were distributed among drivers highlighting messages of road safety and they were also asked to paste them on their vehicles.

Meanwhile, in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in public transport, various disinfected materials, sprayer machines, face masks, and sanitizers procured by ARTO Kargil were distributed among Bus, Taxi, and Van unions.