CHILDREN'S ROAD SAFETY INTERACTION
On Saturday, 17th November 2007 there was an unusual interaction ,
organized by GOACAN (Goa Consumer and Civic Action Network ) between the
Traffic Police and school students at the Traffic Headquarters at Altinho
,Panjim.It was unusual because this time ,young consumers ranging from ages
10 - 16,quizzed the PI Maria Monserrate, and DySP Mhapne about different
aspects of road safety and traffic management.
The session began with Goacan's coordinator Roland Martin highlighting the
need to create awareness among children about their rights as
consumers.Children are consumers in the public transport system and are
entitled
to comfortable, affordable and safe travel. Their right to a 50%
concession on the bus fares needs to be guaranteed, free from harassment.He
also stressed the need for children to be vigilant while crossing roads ,and
also children could gently remind parents when they forget to wear
seatbelts,helmets ..
P.I Maria Monserrate spoke to the children and told them to complain
whenever they were harassed in buses. If there are complaints ,the
Department will definitely take action.The children were given yellow
complaint cards and told how to use them.She also told the children that
they need to be aware of proper and safe driving practices ,and rules of the
road.
It was then question and answer time ,and it was interesting to hear the
kind of questions the children raised : Why aren't there more zebra
crossings in Goa? Why are drivers not fined for overtaking from the left ?
Why do buses crawl - kids reach late for school because the buses keep
stopping and looking for passengers to pick up. Why do bus drivers treat
children badly just because they pay concessional fares ?Why don't motorists
dim headlights ? Why are there no road dividers right across the
Margao/Panjm highway ?
The interaction brought about a lot of awareness ,both to the children and
to the teachers present .There are no instant solutions ,but if more
students are aware about road safety rules , it will definitely produce a
better batch of drivers in the future.Schools, PTA's should play a role in
educating children and parents about safe driving practices and road
safety.
DySP Mhapne distributed road safety kits ,awareness material, a CD on road
safety to the children .The children were also served snacks and soft
drinks ,and the police department even generously gave them Cadbury
chocolates.
Programmes like these go a long way in educating children .This is what
education is all about - teaching survival , life skills and generating
awareness .The potential of the youth needs to be harnessed ,and
channelised.
Present at the interaction were also members of Davorlim,Succor ,Cuncolim,
Nuvem and Chorao Consumer and Civic Forums.
Melinda Coutinho Powell
