Emphasising the need to make children aware of road safety, DGP, Maharashtra, Dr PS Pasricha said that children were at high risk when it came to road accident. While addressing a gathering of students, teachers, principals, members of road safety committees at the road safety function at the police club on Thursday, chief guest Pasricha said, “Teachers and parents influence children the most. Hence their role in spreading awareness about road safety is very important.”

He also appreciated the efforts of Joint Commissioner of Police, traffic, V Kamble in reviving road safety awareness.

Commissioner of police DN Jadhav added, “I believe road and vehicle standards have improved considerably, however, the person behind the wheel cannot remain callous. The Mumbai traffic police has come down heavily on drunken driving but I would like Vijay Kamble to take strict measures against rash driving too.”

Indrani Malkani, activist, presented “A Model School Bus Service for City Schools” that has been implemented in a few schools in South Mumbai and urged teachers and principals gathered at the function to adopt the model and help reduce traffic near schools.

“Schools buses can carry a minimum 45 children and will hence help to reduce traffic congestion caused by private vehicles near schools, besides reducing air and noise pollution. Travelling by bus can also make the children understand the importance of public transport,” she said. She also elaborated on the role of school authorities and parents in making this model work successfully.