Traffic police in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, have swapped fine booklets for rose bouquets in a fresh push for road safety. Instead of relying on the fear of a challan, the Bhilwara traffic police is now stopping two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers just outside the traffic police station, handing each of them a rose, and politely urging them to wear helmets, buckle up their seat belts and honestly follow every traffic rule. Where rule-breaking usually brings the threat of penalties and police action, Bhilwara police have chosen persuasion over punishment for this campaign.
Traffic police officers and personnel are gently explaining to drivers that a helmet is not an extra burden on the head, but the most reliable tool to save a life during any potential accident. The idea is to psychologically motivate people in order to effectively cut down on the untimely, serious loss of life seen in road accidents. Police are reminding drivers that their entire family waits eagerly at home for them to return safely, so safety rules should never be ignored out of haste or carelessness while driving.
The statewide campaign will run until June 16
Head constable Gevarchand Jeenger of the traffic police station laid out the full roadmap of the campaign, saying a wide-ranging drive to build traffic awareness is underway across the entire state. As part of that drive, the campaign has now been formally launched in Bhilwara district as well, and it will continue without a break until June 16. Throughout this period, two-wheeler drivers are being specifically requested to wear helmets. They are being told in detail that a genuine, certified helmet proves to be the single biggest help in preventing loss of life during any serious road accident.
Four-wheeler drivers are being urged to wear seat belts too
Head constable Gevarchand Jeenger further said the campaign is not limited to two-wheeler drivers alone. Car drivers, too, are continuously being made aware of the need to compulsorily wear a seat belt while driving, avoid overspeeding, and strictly follow all the other prevailing traffic rules. With this very goal, the police team stationed outside the traffic police station stopped both two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers today, respectfully presented them with roses, and made a polite request that they follow traffic rules like responsible citizens.
Drivers were pleasantly surprised, and pledged to follow the rules
The public and vehicle drivers have openly praised this innovative and positive initiative by the traffic police. Drivers were pleasantly surprised to be handed a rose on the road, and moved by this respectful gesture from the police, many of them also pledged to always follow traffic rules faithfully from now on.
Police believe change cannot come from challans alone
The traffic police administration firmly believes that change cannot be brought about merely by issuing challans or instilling fear. According to officials, it is only through this kind of social awareness and the active cooperation of the general public that the graph of road accidents can be significantly brought down, and more and more precious human lives can be saved.
