In a significant step towards enhancing road safety awareness, Maharashtra is set to introduce mandatory road safety lessons for school students from Class 1 to 10 starting from the academic year 2024-25. Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced this initiative, emphasizing the need to instil safe road practices in young minds and reduce accidents.
Cultivating Safe Habits Every Saturday:
The road safety lessons will be incorporated into the curriculum, with classes scheduled every Saturday. The comprehensive program will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of road safety, including traffic rules, first aid, pedestrian and riding safety, the importance of helmets and seatbelts, and awareness of traffic laws. The classes will utilize audio-visual aids to enhance the learning experience.
Impact on Two Crore Students:
The initiative is expected to have a substantial impact, reaching over two crore students across the state. Education Minister Kesarkar drew attention to the global practice of teaching traffic rules abroad and expressed the aim to create similar awareness among students in Maharashtra.
Implementation from the Next Academic Year:
The road safety education initiative stems from a proposal by the state transport department and aligns with the minister’s strong commitment to promoting road safety. A senior official confirmed that the plan would be implemented starting the next academic year, marking a crucial step towards fostering responsible road behavior from a young age.
Starting Young for Safer Roads:
Emphasizing the importance of starting road safety education at an early age, Kesarkar highlighted the high number of two-wheeler accident fatalities and stressed the need for the early adoption of safety habits. The program aims to address critical aspects of road safety, including the ongoing debate on helmet usage, by drawing inspiration from responsible practices observed in other countries.
