The 13 Maruti Driving Schools in Bangalore will organize road safety related seminars at two leading tech parks, five corporate and half a dozen clubs. Besides, there will be fun filled activities at leading malls, five top colleges and many residential complexes through the month of March. Incidentally, the first Maruti Driving School was opened in Bangalore in November 2005 and has trained almost 100,000 drivers till date.
“Maruti Suzuki Explore Bangalore”, a daylong treasure hunt, will mark culmination of the campaign in Bangalore. Over 300 bikes and 200 cars, irrespective of manufacturers, have registered to participate in this initiative that will be flagged off at 9 am in the morning from Kanteerva stadium and return to the same venue by 4 p.m. Besides cracking the cryptic clues unraveling the treasures of garden city, the participants will also be judged on valid license, safe driving practices, riding gears, insurance, and emission norms among others.
Participation is divided into four categories namely Students, Senior Citizens, All Women and General and Clubs like Bike Brigades and Car Clubs. This ensures participation from friends and family on an occasion that will be adventurous and fun filled – and exciting prizes to be won.
Mr. Mahesh Rajoria, General Manager, Maruti Driving Schools, informed, “According to WHO, road traffic injury is the leading killer of youth. Victims of 30% of road crash deaths in India are in the 15-24 age bracket. Our programme has been designed keeping in mind these needs. The workshops are using engaging methods to create momentum and spread awareness. In Japan, our parent company Suzuki is involved with road safety education right at the elementary school levels, which helps young citizens become more aware and responsible adults. At Maruti Suzuki safety has always been given the highest importance, and is part of our weekly reviews.”
Bangalore reported 755 fatal accidents last year and 4767 non fatal. There are many ‘Near Miss” cases with driver that have potential of becoming accidents in future but can be addressed if corrective measures are taken immediately. The initiatives will educate drivers on road safety, safety gears like wearing helmets and seat belts, traffic rules with an objective to make Bangalore accident safe city.
Mr. Rajoria added, “The driving thought is that every Maruti Suzuki employee and customer become ambassadors to build a culture of road safety and ensure corrective actions are taken. This year, we are making extra effort to ensure safety of ourselves, our family and our colleagues. Every Maruti Suzuki employee will spend time on this aspect and evaluate every unsafe condition, with family and friends.”
In other parts of country, street plays, joint promotional campaigns with the Traffic Police Departments, Canter activity and radio and outdoor campaigns have been planned.
For more information on Maruti’s Road Safety efforts please visit:
http://www.marutisuzuki.com/maruti-road-safety.aspx or www.marutidrivingschool.com
