Keralam forms road safety mission to check road fatalities; Mammootty to be brand ambassador

The State government has constituted a Kerala State Road Safety Mission chaired by the Chief Minister to reduce fatalities from road accidents in the State. Announcing its formation, Transport Minister C.P. John said the official launch of the mission would be held on November 15 at Ernakulam Town Hall. The Minister also announced that actor Mammootty had been appointed brand ambassador of the initiative.

Every year, 3,600 people lose their lives in road accidents in Keralam. The objective is to reduce the mortality rate in a phased manner through awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of laws. Road safety awareness will be fostered across all age groups, ranging from first-grade students to adults. The Minister said stringent action will be taken against those violating traffic laws or committing deliberate acts of negligence.

Road safety initiatives will be extended to district and local levels, with the formation of ‘safe driving clubs’ at the local level. The project also encompasses modernisation of roads, addressing ‘black spots’ (accident-prone areas), maintaining signboards, widening zebra crossings, and establishing designated safety zones through the use of colour-coded road markings. Steps will be taken to incorporate road safety into the school curriculum and develop mobile applications for the purpose.