Ranchi: Police on Monday launched a seven-day awareness campaign to curb traffic violations and reduce road accidents in the district. The drive also includes vehicle checks as part of efforts to track criminal elements.The first day’s theme was “Helmet Pahne, Jeevan Bachaye” (Wear helmets, save lives). Around 1,500 school students, along with a large number of residents, were covered under the campaign.SP (city) Paras Rana, SP (rural) Gaurav Goswami and SP (traffic) Rakesh Singh, along with other police personnel, conducted an extensive checking drive at Tilta More on the outskirts of the city. Several traffic violators were stopped and warned against repeating the offences.Singh said the campaign aimed to discourage riding without helmets, driving without seat belts, speeding and other violations. People were also advised to follow traffic signals, avoid overloading and ensure that minors do not drive.“The purpose is to reduce accidents and deaths caused by road accidents,” he said.Similar drives were conducted at 15 other locations, including Hinoo Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Kishore Yadav Chowk, Mission Chowk, Satellite Chowk, ITI bus stand, High School Bajra, Jumar Bridge and Kantatoli.Goswami said vehicle checks were also being conducted to identify anti-social elements. Police were particularly focusing on tampered or fake number plates. “Cases will be registered against anyone found using false number plates,” he said.Meanwhile, district transport officer Akhilesh Kumar led a team that checked vehicles near schools and detained several minor students riding two-wheelers. “The students were handed over to their parents,” he said.
