Mangaluru: A.B. Ibrahim, chairman, Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority proposed to include lessons on traffic discipline in the school curriculum and to impose remedial classes as punishment for violators of traffic rules.

Speaking at the inauguration of 26th National Road Safety Week here on Thursday, Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim said that the sense of traffic discipline is less in India in comparison to other countries. Hence, lessons on traffic rules should be taught to the students in school. Besides, mere imposition of fine would not be sufficient. Driving License should be restored only after the offender undergoes the remedial class, he added.

Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo said that leniency in punishment for traffic violators was one of the primary reasons for the increase in road mishaps. He also said that lack of painting and reflectors on the humps further added to the woes. He advised that concerned officials from the district administration, police and technical engineers should come together and discuss the technicalities and ensure the effective implementation of the plans which could reduce accidents.

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner S Murugan said that most number of deaths in India occur due to accidents and not diseases. “Traffic sense in western countries was far more than Indians. Road safety should be imbibed as part of life”, he said.

The Road Safety Week will go on till January 28 under the joint aegis of the district Transport and Police Department. Superintendent of police Sharanappa, RTO Afzal Ahamed Khan, Rajavarma Ballal were others present.