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Chennai recently witnessed 100 student volunteers joining the Hyundai Traffic Voluntary Scheme to help maintain traffic safety and order on Chennai's busy roads. The occasion was the induction of the 100 students into the Student Traffic Volunteers Scholarship Scheme, sponsored by Hyundai Motor India Ltd in assocoation with Chennai City Police to create road safety awareness and support Chennai Traffic Police.
Speaking on the occasion, Hyundai Motor India (HMI) Ltd managing director H S Lheem said, "I really appreciate the efforts of the youth who are coming forward and recognising the need for promoting road safety. The Hyundai Traffic Squad gives stipends to deserving young people who are inducted after thorough training by experts. Students get an opportunity to serve society at a young age. Hyundai is proud to be associated with such an endeavour, and all of us at Hyundai also feel privileged to be partnering along with Chennai Traffic Police."
Launching the scheme, D Mukherjee, DGP, Tamil Nadu, commended the efforts of HMI and requested more corporates to participate in such schemes. He congratulated the students for their active participation.
Letika Saran, Chennai City Police Commissioner, stated that together with the Chennai Traffic Police, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, will be playing a proactive role in inculcating safe road behaviour through the Hyundai Traffic Squad, educating and training young people in
traffic
rules and safety in order that they may create further awareness among others.
Students from 14 colleges had applied for the STV Scheme for 2007-2008, from among whom 100 students were chosen after rigorous tests. They underwent a week-long training.
Highlights of the Student Traffic Volunteers Scholarship Scheme include physical training and classroom training. Traffic drill, hand signalling and practical control of traffic at intersections are taught in the physical training to the volunteering students. In the classroom-training programme, the students were imparted knowledge about traffic control devices, road geometric and environmental features, laws of the road, types of road users, administering first-aid and post-accident management.
The students will work for three hours a day in the evening (5 p.m. - 8 p.m.) during the peak traffic time. Hyundai has specially designed attractive jackets with armbands and caps for the volunteers. Hyundai has also sponsored for the insurance cover of the student against any accident or injury.
The tasks of the students include controlling traffic at intersections under the direct supervision of the traffic police, organising proper parking of vehicles in crowded commercial areas, educating pedestrians, cyclists and other road users about the rules of the road and safe driving measures.
They also control passengers and bus drivers at bus stops to prevent overcrowding and jostling while boarding, monitor traffic outside educational institutions and conduct surveys for better traffic management.
R Rangaraj
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