Time to change - Time for safe driving - An initiative by Nissan

Road safety in India. Awareness and linked problems with the road safety.

Our country is growing with a rapid pace and many countries are envy about it too. Soon India may become a super power in the world. Soon our transportation speed will increase with the better infrastructure and innovations. Soon most of Indian population would live a lavish lifestyle and there is no doubt about it.
  As Indians, we should be proud that our country and fellow countrymen are progressing continuously. Now in majority of Indian cities lifestyle has improved (rather I would like to say transformed) a lot. Earlier only richer of the rich used to have a car. But today situation in our country has changed and cars have become affordable by lower middle class community too. Gone are the days when car used to be a luxury. In today's world car has become a necessity. As more and more cars are rolling out of showrooms traffic, pollution and road accidents are on the rise.

Statistics on road accidents

Statistics never lie  National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) maintains record of deaths in India. According to NCRB statistics, a whooping 40% or more unnatural deaths are attributed to road accidents. Also it is very important to note that more than 10% accidents are caused by cars.

Deaths caused by road accidents - 2012. Courtesy - ncrb.nic.in Deaths attributed to road accidents : 2013. Courtesy - ncrb.nic.in Above statistics indicate that it's the time when we must take road safety measures more seriously.

Causes for road accidents

There are many reasons for road accidents. Driving when drunk, rash driving and disobeying traffic rules are the most common causes which result in fatal accidents. Though rash driving and driving when drunk also fall under disobeying traffic rules, I had to pinpoint them out! Whatever the cause for an accident, ultimately the price has to be paid for it.

Who should be responsible for road safety?

Who should be responsible for road safety is a million dollar question.

Following concept of Nissan Safety Driving Forum describes it perfectly.
Safety begins with me - Nissan Safety Driving Forum Yes - safety begins with us. If each and everyone of us could adopt this simple formula, our country will be free of road accidents.

Nissan Safety Driving Forum is an initiative by World's leading automobile manufacturer - Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.

Nissan Safety Driving Forum

Nissan Safety Driving Forum (NSDF) is a unique and first of its kind road safety initiative in India which emphasizes and educates on safe driving. The initiative has started in 2012 and NSDF has educated more than 2 lakh Indians about road safety.

Nissan Safety Driving Forum imparts awareness about the importance of wearing seat belt and obeying traffic rules. Simulated car crash experience is the most awesome and noteworthy in Nissan Safety Driving Forum campaigns through which one can practically undergo and understand the situation which may arise after an accident. Thus, this will help all to remember the safety precautions and adopt them for our safety on the road.

NIssan Crash Simulator Demonstration - Image Courtesy : Nissan.in
NSDF volunteer explaining importance of wearing seat belt- Image Courtesy : Nissan.in Below video explains the noble cause of Nissan Safety Driving Forum and need of road safety perfectly.

Where NSDF campaign held?

In 2012, NSDF campaign was held in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

In the year 2013, Nissan Safety Driving Forum was conducted in five more cities i.e., Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Amritsar to promote road safety.

This year Nissan has held its campaign in Jalandhar, Jaipur, Vadodara, Nagpur, Mangalore.

Next NDSF campaign is scheduled in Kochi on 20th and 21st of December 2014.

Ten commandments from NSDF and me for a safer ride

Here are the ten commandments from NDSF to all of us for our safe and bright future.

1. Always wear a seat belt. If you are sitting on the back seat of car, then also wear your seat belt. Accident never shows mercy on persons who did not wear a seat belt.
2. Never drink and drive. Drinking reduces your response time to react in critical situations. So if you have been in a booze party and consumed some alcohol, then don't drive. If situation demands, hire a taxi and go home safely.
3. Respect pedestrians. Always respect pedestrians who are trying to cross the road. Don't let pedestrian pay for your negligence.
4. Don't over speed. Never try to over speed. Most of the accidents happen due to over speeding. Speed thrills but kills. Only Bond 007 can handle the speed.
5. Avoid talking on phone while driving. One should avoid taking phone calls while driving as it distracts and may result in a fatal accident.
6. Obey traffic rules. Obeying traffic rules is the key for safety on the road while driving. If there is a traffic signal or board, act accordingly.
7. Be attentive while driving. Being attentive is one of the most important things while driving. Don't fall prey for others mistake.
8. Be patient. While driving try to be calm and cool even in the heavy traffic. Frustration won't reduce the traffic for you.
9. Get your car serviced time to time. Having a reliable vehicle to drive is a must for road safety. Imagine your car brakes not working!
10. Spread awareness about road safety. Last but not least, try to educate your family, friends and colleagues about safe driving and its importance so that more and more people follow best safe driving practices.

Innovations and commitment from Nissan Co. Ltd. on safety

Nissan Co. Ltd. has been innovating and implementing latest technology which makes Nissan cars more safe for driver and others who are in the car. Also Nissan promises Blue Citizenship - a commitment to deliver engaging, valuable and sustainable mobility for all.   Following video is an example for Nissan's true commitment towards making India and Indians safer on roads while driving.  

Conclusion

Road safety is our responsibility. Even if the government enforces stringent law, if we don't follow it we will continue to cause accidents on road. Also we will become victims for others mistakes. So it's time for change and betterment. Let us pledge for best driving practices before it gets too late to repent.

Always remember the following quote.
Safety begins with me - Nissan Safety Driving Forum
Above article submitted for Nissan Safety Driving Forum contest held by Indiblogger in association with Nissan Co. Ltd.