PANJIM: Students enthused by the traffic awareness summer camp, an initiative of the Goa Police that is training them in traffic rules, self-defence and tackling cybercrime, have decided to follow rules on the roads and make others do the same.
Ten-year-old Advait Mudras said, “Often I see college students who don’t wear helmets, don’t have driving license and speeding on highways. I am going to implement these rules when I am on the roads and I will also ensure my parents follow them.”
The five-day Road Safety Summer Camp that concluded on Saturday had the objective of teaching young children about road safety. The department also gave tips in not falling prey to cybercrime while ensuring their physical safety with a basic course in self-defence.
Training in CPR, yoga and self-defence was also given to student on day three. “They (experts in the field) showed us how to deal with situations in which a person suffers a heart attack on the road and falls, or gets paralyzed or has fits. They told us the different steps we must follow to help them. This will help us in the future,” an excited 12-year-old, Sumedh Ambe, told Herald.
He also spoke of traffic rules and regulations learnt during the sessions that included practical training. “There is a junction near a petrol pump close by. The road is a one way but instead of taking the longer route, motorists break the rules and take short cuts. I plan to follow the rules as well as teach others to follow traffic rules. Always remember, to stop, look, see and then you must proceed,” he added.
The students were taught a quote “When you are driving, always remember that there is someone waiting for you at home.”
The camp comes at the time when the State has been witnessing a string of fatal accidents. Children were shown videos and later tested on their knowledge about traffic signs and rules. “In the beginning, the children weren’t very aware of the rules. They only get theoretical knowledge in schools. We have imparted practical exposure,” Panjim Traffic Police Inspector Brenden De Souza said.
To bridge the gap between these young citizens and the police, traffic officials organised hand drills, and ice breaker sessions for the children. During the course of the camp, 10 to 17-year-olds interacted with professionals briefing them on cybercrime and road safety.
“Nutritionists, doctors and teachers also gave a talk on related subjects, which were very helpful. They told us things we need to know but aren’t aware of,” says Richa Crasto, 15.
Children participated in a drawing competition through which they expressed their creativity and understanding on road safety and traffic rules.
Shrinjan Gosh, 16, said, “We learnt self-defence which is important for our safety. Apart from that, they (experts) showed us different types of guns and how to differentiate between the Indian made guns and others. This is very helpful if we intend to join the police force or armed forces.”
Gosh added, “This camp gave me the opportunity to understand the life the policemen live and how they are being trained. It gave us an insight into their lives so that we can respect them more.”
