Road Safety Week is an opportunity to educate the public, promote caution and encourage strict adherence to traffic laws. However, to maximise its impact, organisers must move beyond basic awareness campaigns towards a structured and sustained approach. India records lakhs of road accidents every year, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and responsible behaviour. Many motorists obtain licences without adequately understanding basic principles such as lane discipline, while others treat traffic rules as optional. Inconsistent enforcement further reinforces the belief that violations carry little immediate consequence. Road safety must not be reduced to a symbolic government exercise. It should encourage every road user to examine their own behaviour and influence others to drive responsibly. Regular vehicle maintenance must also be emphasised as an important part of road safety. Most importantly, the message that driving is a privilege, not a right, must be firmly established. That privilege comes with responsibilities towards pedestrians, cyclists, passengers and other motorists. Visible enforcement, better driver education and sustained public awareness can help make our roads safer throughout the year, not merely during Road Safety Week.
KG VILOP, Chorao
