Refresher training for heavy vehicle drivers

In a very positive approach to drivers, refresher training for heavy vehicles drivers in un-organised sector is underway at Nagaland State Transport (NST) Driver Training Institute (DTI), Virazouma.

The two-day training programme sponsored by ministry of road transport and highways (road safety cell) Government Of India was declared open by parliamentary secretary, transport and mechanical engineering, P. Dako Phom, Tuesday at NST, DTI, Virazouma.

P. Dako Phom while addressing the gathering, felt there was time to educate drivers to cope with advanced technology vehicles.

While admitting most accidents occur due to human error, Phom however said it was essential to train drivers, adding, though it was a “simple post”, drivers are regarded highly in the society.

He said the driver’s social responsibility were high, and their roles cannot be demeaned and felt it was the need of the hour for educated Naga youth to opt for driving as career as in the case of western countries.

Altogether 120 truck drivers under the aegis of Dimapur District Truck Drivers Union (DDTDU) attended the first day training, during which they were briefed on topic like road signs, signal traffic rules, defensive driving skills and HIV and AIDS.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Drive safely without HIV and AIDS’, senior project officer project Orchid, Temjen Jamir informed the drivers on the myths behind HIV and AIDS.

Stating that HIV and AIDS does not spread through sharing bathrooms, mosquito bites, sharing food etc., Jamir said HIV and AIDs is transmitted through unprotect sexual intercourse, injection drug use, from an infected mother to her infant and through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

Jamir then asked the gathering to use condoms and remain faithful to their partners. Also speaking on the topic ‘Road signs, signal traffic rules, defensive driving skills’, automobile engineer, NST, Er. Merang Imchen said drivers are not meant just to drive vehicles but must be aware of traffic rules.

Stating that obedience of traffic rules was the fundamental duty of every citizen, Imchen informed the drivers that if they are not aware of the traffic rules, then they would be unable to voice out their rights in times of crisis.

Pointing out the perception in Nagaland where heavy vehicles are always blamed during mishaps, Imchen said blaming heavy vehicles is not men  tioned in Motor Act 1988, rather any light or heavy vehicle should be penalized if they were wrong. It may be mentioned that the training session would continue till October 10.