Road accidents in India kill more people than some epidemics but only a handful follow traffic rules or adhere to road safety norms. Determined to educate people about road safety, Ablaksh Sharma, a student of class XII in Modern School Barakhamba, started the ‘Drive Safe Foundation’ over a year ago.
His NGO focuses on creating awareness and informing truck drivers about the importance of safe driving. “My aim through this organisation is to educate people and sensitise them towards the need for practising road safety measures,” explains Ablaksh and adds, “I came up with this idea when I saw a smashed car in my father’s automobile repair workshop and got to know of how a speeding truck hit a family in a car as the driver was drunk. The accident was so brutal that there was only one survivor. The plight of the family made me conscious of the seriousness of the issue and I decided to raise awareness about cautious driving.”
Before starting his campaign, Ablaksh ensured that he educated himself about traffic rules and regulations. He shares, “I looked up the statistics of deaths due to road accidents and it revealed that most of the accidents were caused due to drunk driving, under-age driving, road rage or texting. I especially wanted to address truck drivers, as the statistics of trucks involved in such incidences were disturbingly high.”
Ablaksh organised his first campaign called the ‘Drive Safe Camp’ near the Haryana-Karnal-Sonepat highway inviting truck drivers for a medical check-up camp followed by lunch and simultaneously educating them about the ill effects of using intoxicants while driving. “The idea was to approach truck driving companies to educate them and their drivers on road safety. The sub-divisional magistrate of Sonepat consented to preside over the camp as chief guest and speak about the necessity of following traffic rules for road safety. A doctor also volunteered to check the drivers for any intoxicants.”
He continues, “The aim was to check the physical and mental health of these drivers, and to make them understand the adverse effects of driving under the influence of any illegal substance.”
Under the campaign, he also started an incentive programme for the drivers wherein their employer and the NGO observed those who were in regular use of intoxicants for a year. He says, “If their record came clean, the NGO issued them a ‘Certificate of Sobriety’ and they would be entitled to receive incentives like ration, blankets and mobile phones.”
The NGO also approaches the families of road accident victims and tries to provide help in every possible way. “Most families of victims are ill-educated about the legal system. We provide them legal assistance so that government aid can be provided to them without much ado,” states Ablaksh.
In his attempt to reach the masses, Ablaksh also prints posters on road safety and safe driving. He connects with youngsters in his schools informing them about the dangers of rash driving and promotes safety before thrill.
Thanking his parents and school authorities for the support they are extending, he says, “My parents and teachers have been extremely encouraging and supportive of my venture. They also gave their inputs for making the campaign more successful. My NGO has also received financial support from my school authorities as well as truck driving companies, who have joined the initiative by enrolling new drivers for the long term incentive programme, thereby encouraging them to drive sober and safe.”
Talking about his future endeavours he shares, “This NGO was set up with the money I earned from my modelling assignments. I hope to diversify my awareness programme with assistance from the Transport Authority offices across the city.”
