Awareness programmes conducted under the National Road Safety Campaign 2026
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 20: As part of the National Road Safety Campaign 2026, the Mohali Traffic Police organised road safety awareness seminars at Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Kurali, and Brookfield International School, Kurali, aimed at educating students and staff about traffic rules and safe road behaviour.
The programmes were conducted under the guidance of Senior Superintendent of Police, SAS Nagar, Harmandeep Singh Hans, IPS, and Superintendent of Police (Traffic), SAS Nagar, Navneet Singh Mahal, PPS, as part of the district-wide observance of the campaign being held from January 1 to January 31, 2026, in line with the Zero Death System theme.
The seminars were led by DSP Karnail Singh, PPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), SAS Nagar, who interacted with students, teachers, and school staff at both institutions. At Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Principal Kamaljit Singh and Drawing Teacher Kuldeep Singh were present, while Vandana Bansal, Principal of Brookfield International School, along with Mukhtesh, Coordinator, and other staff members, attended the programme. Traffic officials ASI Jagat Singh, ASI Jaspal Singh, and Head Constable Ramesh Singh were also present.
Addressing the gatherings, DSP Karnail Singh appealed to the students and the public to strictly avoid violating traffic rules, stating that such violations lead to loss of life and property. He also informed students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraged them to participate in sports and physical activities for a healthy lifestyle.
Highlighting legal provisions, he explained that under Section 199-A of the Motor Vehicles Act, if a minor below the age of 18 is found driving a vehicle, the parents or guardians may face up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹25,000, and similar punishment may apply to anyone who allows a minor to drive. He further stated that action under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act would be taken against drunk driving, which carries a penalty of ₹10,000 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment. He also warned that modifying vehicle silencers could attract a fine of ₹5,000 under the Act.
During the seminar, participants were also informed about the government’s Scheme for Grant of Award to the Good Samaritan. It was explained that in case of a roadside accident, citizens can immediately call the police helpline number 112, enabling Road Safety Force personnel to promptly shift injured persons to hospitals. Under the Farishtey Scheme, individuals who assist accident victims are eligible to receive an award of ₹2,000 from the government.
Concluding the programme, DSP Karnail Singh urged students, teachers, and staff to share the knowledge gained during the seminar with their family members and to actively discourage drunk driving, overspeeding, and other traffic violations within their communities. He appealed to all citizens to consistently follow traffic rules and promote road safety awareness.
At the end of the seminar, the school staff appreciated the initiative taken by the Traffic Police and expressed gratitude to DSP Karnail Singh for organising the informative awareness programme.
