The Institute of Driving and Traffic Research Institute operated in Nava Raipur is proving to be very helpful for improving the driving skills and road safety in Chhattisgarh. It is noteworthy that it was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel in a program organized under the chairmanship of Transport Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar on December 9, 2021 last year. So far, more than 12 thousand trainees have received training according to the rules related to driving and road safety in the institute in a period of one year.
Using the latest technology in the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research Institute, operated under the joint aegis of Transport Department, Government of Chhattisgarh and Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the scheme of imparting driving training is being done in an area of 20 acres. It is worth mentioning that 9 December 2022 is the first foundation day of Institute of Driving and Traffic Research, Nava Raipur CG. This joint Public Private Partnership mode with a total investment of 19 crores has state-of-the-art, scientifically designed driving training school, and this institute is proving to promote road safety and improving driving skill development for better road sense.
According to the information received in this regard, in the year 2021, the nationwide death rate has seen an increase of 16.8 percent i.e. from 133201 to 155622. The state of Chhattisgarh also saw an increase in the death rate and 5375 deaths were recorded in road accidents in the year 2021. The number of accidents was almost 3 times than the number of deaths in road accidents. In view of the increase in road accidents, a model driving training facility like IDTR Chhattisgarh was the need of the hour and thus IDTR was established.
With the Vision of Zero road Accidents, one of the strongest pillars of road safety education, IDTR started its operations and imparted training to both novice and experienced drivers. IDTR has trained around 12000 drivers in the first year of its operation. 72 per cent accidents are done by experienced drivers and thus a directive was issued by the transport department to train heavy vehicle drivers who have maximum risk on road travel.
More than 10,000 heavy motor vehicle drivers who attended the institute’s refresher training were trained in defensive driving techniques, driving in dangerous conditions,awareness on road signs and signals, first aid and handling of road accident situations, awareness on HIV AIDS and most importantly they were also educated on the provisions of the new Motor Vehicles Act and the fines and penalties. Keeping in mind the safety of school and college students, school and colege bus were also trained..01 thousand 151 school bus drivers were educated across the state in IDTR.
More than 100 novice learners showed special interest to get trained on scientifically designed track and took driving lessons at IDTR and learned aspects of driving like mirror signal manoeuvre, position speed look, 3 second principle of keeping safe distance , reversing and parking techniques. Similarly, women trainees expressed special interest in training at IDTR and more than 60 per cent of the trainees undergoing driving training at IDTR were women. The presentations of driving safety features are easy to understand through scientifically designed simulation technology smart classroom and interesting audio video presentation.
Under the efficient guidance of Secratary Transport, Mr. S.Prakash, Commissioner Transport, Mr. Dipanshu Kabra and Chairman Lead Agency Road Safety Mr. Sanjay Sharma, the well-organized operation of the institute is being done by Joint Director Mr. Amit Gupta and the team. Special workshops and training were also conducted for enforcement officers and traffic police at IDTR for day-to-day traffic management and pressure handling. Apart from technical training on MV Act, road rules and regulations, these trainees took classes on skills like communication, body language, stress management and motivation. More than 378 traffic constables and officers participated in this training programme.
Trainees from not only the state but also across the country are participating in the workshops organized by IDTR. 55 trainees from across the country participated in a 10-day workshop to enhance their driving skills and technical knowledge of the vehicle. Apart from specialized training, IDTR is going to start mining training in Chhattisgarh and is also given the status of Transport Facilitation Center where anyone who approaches IDTR can get learning license and training simultaneously. IDTR is also conducting several road safety sensitization programs in schools and colleges to make youth aware about road rules and regulations.
The prime objective of IDTR focuses on conducting research activities and studying the behavior of drivers towards traffic violations and their road sense behavior. The research work of the reaction of road users in road accidents is also in progress. IDTR will go a long way in spreading awareness on road safety, sensitizing people towards safe driving and thus reducing accidents while increasing both skill development and employment.