People’s participation key to reducing road accidents, says police officer

Stressing that road safety cannot be ensured by enforcement alone, Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa called upon citizens to actively partner with the police in promoting responsible road behaviour and preventing accidents.

Addressing a public meeting, organised by the Kalaburagi police in association with United Hospital, at SVP Chowk in Kalaburagi on January 30 to mark the conclusion of National Road Safety Month, Mr. Sharanappa said that collective responsibility is essential to save lives on the roads.

“The police alone cannot guarantee road safety. People must consciously adopt safe driving practices and strictly follow traffic rules. Only through joint efforts by the police and the public can we reduce road accidents and save precious lives. Every citizen can be a change-maker,” he said.

Observing that Road Safety Month is marked every January with limited impact, the Commissioner said awareness without behavioural change had failed to yield the desired results. “Every year, new drivers and riders join the traffic, while many existing road users continue to ignore rules. Our indifference can cost lives. Almost every road accident is preventable if traffic rules and safety norms are followed,” he said.

He underlined that using public roads was not merely a right but also a responsibility. “By behaving responsibly on the roads, we protect not only our own lives but also those of others,” he added.

Mr. Sharanappa reiterated that 2026 will be treated as a “year of action” rather than just another year of awareness. “Traffic rules and road safety measures will be enforced strictly. This year will mark a decisive shift from preaching to action,” he said.

Dr. Abdul Hakeem, Head of United College of Physiotherapy, said the root cause of many accidents was not the lack of knowledge but a disregard for it. “People know what is right and wrong on the road, yet they choose not to follow their conscience,” he observed.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Praveen H. Nayak, Assistant Commissioners of Police Sharanabasappa Subedar and Sudha Adi and senior officers from Traffic Divisions I and II were present.

As part of the programme, helmets and first-aid kits sponsored by United Hospital were distributed to police personnel and members of the public.