DAV Chandrasekharpur students take part in a road safety awareness campaign at AG Square in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Despite stringent traffic rules in the capital, instances of traffic violations and mishaps have not shown any signs of slowing down. Prevention of Accidents Society, Odisha (PASO) working president Syed Maqbool Ali is now batting for introduction of road safety measures in school curriculum.

Ali said that PASO conducted road safety awareness workshops at several schools as part of the 28th National Road Safety Week being observed from January 9 to 15.

The annual police report showed a six per cent rise in the number of deaths in road mishaps between 2015 and 2016 in Bhubaneswar. Police commissioner Y.B. Khurania said most of the road mishaps in the city took place at traffic intersections. "Most mishaps involved motorcycles and the victims were youths. Our aim is to create awareness among students regarding various aspects of road safety," he said.

S.K. Nayak, a teacher at a private school, said children, if taught road safety rules, could work as agents of change in Bhubaneswar. A transport official said awareness among students was essential. "In cases like driving on the wrong side, if youngsters are aware of the dangers, they can refrain from the practice and motivate others to do so," he said.

Text by Sandeep Dwivedy; picture by Ashwinee Pati