On 11th May 2013, the
Volunteer for Better India (VBI) Mulund team organized a road safety campaign
at two signals - Bhandup Sonapur junction and Panch Raasta. This venture was held in collaboration with
the Mumbai Traffic police and was aptly named “Mind your vehicle”. VBI Mumbai
was invited to initiate this project on 6th May by Mr J.K Bhatia, chief secretary of
Maharashtra. Since then various rallies have been conducted by VBI across whole
of Mumbai.
Volunteers positioned at the two signals, displayed placards with messages like – Wear
helmets while driving, follow traffic rules, don’t cut lanes etc while the
signal was on. Later, a few of them distributed car pledge hangers to all the
commuters that contained rules for responsible driving. Before the signal would
turn green, the volunteers moved away to avoid disrupting the traffic. They
also promptly spoke to the commuters who were without helmets and asked them to
wear it for their safety. They also reminded the traffic policemen to urge the
commuters not to the cross the zebra crossing while at the signal.
The volunteers received a lot of appreciation from the local
traffic policemen and the commuters for taking up this project. Traffic jams
are one of the cause of worries in every Mumbaikars life. The VBI team did its
bit in clearing the traffic by educating people about safe and responsible
driving.
