Kargil Police, students reach out to 500 motorists in NH-1 road safety drive

KARGIL: Around 500 drivers and commuters were sensitised to road safety during a traffic awareness campaign conducted by Police Station Wakha at two locations along National Highway-1 in Kargil, including near the Mulbekh Chamba monument and Government Higher Secondary School, Shargole.

The campaign was aimed at encouraging motorists to follow traffic rules, exercise caution and take measures to prevent road accidents along the highway.

As part of the initiative, police personnel held interactive sessions with students and teachers of Government Higher Secondary School, Shargole, and Lamdon School, Mulbekh, before taking the road safety message to motorists.

Participants were briefed about the scale of road deaths caused by traffic accidents in India and the importance of responsible road use.

Students and teachers subsequently lined both sides of the highway carrying placards with messages including “Drive Carefully”, “Your Family is Waiting for You”, “Use Dipper at Night” and “Respect Commuters Coming from the Opposite Side”.

The students, teachers and police personnel also presented traditional khatags to drivers and commuters, using the gesture to appeal to them to observe traffic regulations and exercise caution on the road.

The campaign reached around 500 motorists and commuters, according to the police. The gesture was well received by drivers, the department said.

The initiative also sought to extend the road safety message beyond the highway, with students encouraged to discuss the precautions highlighted during the campaign with their parents, relatives, friends and neighbours.

Political and administrative figures travelling along the route were also stopped by the participating students and presented with khatags as part of the appeal for responsible driving. Local political representatives supported the programme by providing beverages to participating students.

Senior officers of Ladakh Police appreciated the efforts of the Wakha police team, led by the SHO, for involving local educational institutions in the awareness campaign.

The programme combined police outreach with student participation, using direct engagement with motorists and public messaging to promote safer driving practices along the NH-1 corridor.