If you are not safe, you will be sorry. Hazaribagh police will send out this clear message to habitual traffic offenders from next week, with missing helmets and unfastened seat belts inviting spot fines and even cancellation of licences for three-time law-breakers.
SP Manoj Kaushik confirmed the proposed action and called it an unprecedented road awareness campaign in Hazaribagh in recent times.
The district police chief was addressing a gathering of 2,000 students at DAV Public School on Monday as a part of the ongoing traffic awareness week. He said a survey conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) across nations had found that 80 per cent of road accident victims die of head injuries.
"Helmets can save your life. Do not ignore them," he told students and apprised them of the stricter penalties in coming days. Among his other road safety tips were fastening seat belts while driving and never being at the wheel without licence.
Kaushik also had a green request. He urged students to avoid using polythene bags and instead opt for biodegradable or recyclable options such as paper. He planted a sapling on the campus to mark his green pledge.
DAV principal Ashok Kumar assured the top cop that his school would play a lead role in both the campaigns.
On the sidelines of his address, the SP said police would focus on triple-riding and bikers without helmets during the drive. Parking violations will also invite penalty. "We will put up traffic dos and don't boards across the town. We seek the co-operation of people. The rules are for their own safety," he added.
