Awareness camp on ‘safe driving’ for pool car drivers conducted

Kolkata: In an effort to create awareness among the pool car drivers about ‘safe driving’ in the city and suburbs, a camp by the Pool Car Owners Welfare Association was held at Birla Academy of Art and Culture with experts from IIT Kharagpur, traffic police and the state Transport department. During the camp, discussions were held ‘blind spot or blind zone’, which is the area or zone on the road outside the driver’s field of vision. Apart from this, an in-depth discussion took place on safety measures which the drivers need to take while driving students to schools.

Bhargab Maitra, professor at IIT Kharagpur and an expert in the field of transport as well as road safety, Sanjib Paik, an official of state Transport department and other police officials were present at the awareness camp, which took place on Saturday. While speaking to drivers, Maitra told them that if an accident takes place when the car is at a speed of 30 kilometre per hour, the chance of it being fatal reduces but if the car is running at 60-80 kilometre per hour, the risk of fatal accidents taking place increases ten times.

One of the crucial problems discussed was over speeding which, in case of a pool car driver, may occur due to a time crunch to reach school.

Besides, Paik explained the importance of installing the vehicle’s tracking system and panic buttons in addition to keeping the tires and brakes in good shape. Secretary of the association Sudip Dutta called it an important initiative to create awareness among the drivers. Earlier, similar initiatives were taken by the association for the parents to make them aware of the pool car usage and its environment -friendly nature.

Apart from safety on the road, focus was also laid on the mental health of these drivers.

Psychologist Pooja Sengupta informed the school bus drivers about ways to be stress-free.

She said that these drivers are working under immense pressure, considering that their day starts early and involves the safety of children not just while driving but also during pick-up and drop-off. She suggested that they take walks, listen to music and spend time with their loved ones during free time.