Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010557180900.htm

Tamil Nadu

Eye camp for drivers evokes good response

Staff Reporter

Spectacles to be distributed to needy, says RTO

SAFETY MATTERS: One of the drivers being screened at the free eye-camp organised in Pudukottai .

PUDUKOTTAI: The ‘Road Safety Week’ programme currently on in the district has come in handy for a joint effort by the officials of Transport Department, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), the police personnel besides volunteers of various organisations in creating awareness among the masses of road safety measures.

A free eye-camp organised as part of the programme evoked an overwhelming response from drivers of both light and heavy vehicles.

“Many drivers were not aware of vision defects. It was only at this camp that they realised their vision defectS,” says Regional Transport Officer N. Balagurunathan. He said that spectacles would be distributed to the needy at the valediction of the celebrations.

A special session for the crew of TNSTC was also held in which the drivers were sensitised to the importance of safety measures. A power-point presentation on the impact of a road accident on the victims’ family members made the crew realise the ground realities, General Manager of Pudukottai region of TNSTC P. Sankaran said.

The verification of licences and other allied documents on Sunday sensitised the owners of two-wheelers and four-wheelers to the importance of insurance cover and other legal issues.