YOU could end up like THIS

Traffic department will display such gory images during safety week to deter rash and drunken driving

Traffic department will display such gory images during safety week to deter rash and drunken driving

GRUESOME: The gory images of the accidents will be shown to the youngsters to understand the consequences of reckless driving. FILE PIC

To spread awareness of the evils of drunken and rash driving, the traffic department has decided to display photographs of gruesome accidents during its Road Safety Week show from January 1-7.

The gory pictures of accidents involving grievous injuries, splattered blood stains and damaged vehicles will be shown to Mumbaikars, especially college students, to help them understand the consequences of reckless driving.u00a0

Though the images are disturbing, the traffic department feels this initiative will help get the message across. Deepak Kapoor, transport commissioner, said, "Though the gory images of the accidents are in bad taste, it is the only way to make youngsters understand the consequences of speeding."

Students will also be asked to draw cartoons, sketches and design games on the subject of safety while driving. People will also be educated on the road signs that are usually not followed. "The cartoons and sketches will be posted on our website, and certificates will be given to the participants," added Kapoor.

Some of the cartoons have already been published on the official website of the transport department.

The RTO has particularly targeted colleges, as a number of youngsters above the age of 18 have been queuing up for licences and are also involved in accidents. The programme will also focus on the need to wear helmets and maintaining the speed limit.

Nitin Dossa, executive chairman, Western India Automobile Association said, "There are nearly 1.4 lakh road deaths in India every year, which is not a good sign. These images will at least deter people from driving rashly."

Fear factor
The disturbing photographs have been selected for the programme to instill fear in the minds of youngsters. Some of the major accidents, in the last five years, on the Pune-Solapur highway, Mumbai- Nasik highway and in western Maharashtra have been selected for display.

11,019
Drunken drivers imprisoned in 2008

192
Drivers sent to prison for dangerous driving in 2008