Patna: Two fatal accidents in the state capital marred the much-vaunted road safety week awareness campaign that started on Monday.

During the weeklong programme, different kinds of activities have been planned in all the districts in which different government and private organisation are the stakeholders.

The first major programme was at Kargil Chowk where Patna district magistrate Kumar Ravi and Patna traffic superintendent of police P.N. Mishra flagged off the road safety rally which ended on the Bankipore Girls' High School premises.

On the first day of the road safety week, schoolchildren and NCC members gifted roses to people violating the traffic rules.

"It is for the first time that the entire state is observing the road safety week and a similar programme has been organised in every district. Now it will continue for one week and through the campaign we will create awareness about road safety. Our only motive is to save the lives of the people," said transport secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal at Bankipore Girls' High School while accompanied by transport minister Santosh Nirala.

Schoolchildren were found giving advice to the bikers to ride the motorcycles only after wearing helmets and also suggested that even pillion riders should wear helmets. Many riders were allowed to go after a warning but a few were fined as well.

"Uncle, please wear a helmet while riding your bike. If something happens, who will look after your family. Ensure that the person sitting behind you does the same. Do not ride fast, go slow and always follow traffic rules," said Kusum Kumari, a student of Bankipors Girls' High School to a biker when he was passing through Kargil Chowk without wearing a helmet.

In Patna alone, fines amounting to Rs 36,300 were collected from two-wheelers and Rs 66,800 from light and heavy vehicles. Fines were taken for not wearing helmets, seat belt or jumping traffic signals apart from using pressure horns.

A special drive was launched at Kargil Chowk, Dakbungalow roundabout, Hartali Mor, Saguna Mor and Boring Road roundabout. The officials of the transport department were also present during the campaign and even schoolchildren handed over the fine slip to the violators.

Free eye check-up camps were organised at many place, including Mithapur bus stand and Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS).

In the next six days, street plays, painting competitions, debates and essay competitions will be held on the theme of road safety.