THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) will reach out to youth and colleges to keep them informed about road safety norms and ensure that it is followed.A road safety plan has already been prepared and submitted to the Road Safety Authority. The suggestions put forward by experts in this field would be included in the 12th Five Year Plan of the authority. NATPAC director B G Sreedevi said that a team of experts came under one roof and provided suggestions for road safety. This was analysed and would be included in the proposals to be prepared by NATPAC in future.Targeting youth and colleges would reduce the road accidents as majority of the victims fall under this group. A year-long programme has been planned to make them aware of the dangers on road. The plan is to cover at least two to three colleges in a district and around 25 colleges would be visited by experts from NATPAC. A new documentary on road safety would also be launched within a month which would be screened in colleges and other venues.During the recently concluded Road Safety Week - 2012, children were taught on how they should behave correctly on roads in a unique way through games and other activities. A positive trend was seen as all those who participated showed keen interest in the programmes. The suggestions for safer road plan was given by 30 experts in the transportation sector.The participants, while emphasising the need for innovation in materials, methods and technology for the roads said that providing adequate importance to traffic management, sign and signages, pavement markings, timely maintenance, safety and emergency maintenance were also very important. It was also decided to investigate the causes of road accidents scientifically. NATPAC would follow the National Road Safety Guidelines and International Certification Programmes for accident analysis.During an eye test camp conducted by NATPAC for drivers, it was revealed that the drivers were not concerned about their health conditions. Sreedevi said that it is going to be a serious problem if adequate measures are not worked out to keep them medically fit, to carry out their profession.
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