Nearly 80% of road accident fatalities can be prevented with basic safety measures, the Hyderabad Traffic Police told students during a road safety awareness program at Vasavi Engineering College on Wednesday. The “Arrive Alive” campaign, organized at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium, Ibrahim Bagh, attracted over 600 students and faculty members.

The program was inaugurated by Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D. Joel Davis, IPS, who emphasized that nearly 8,000 people lost their lives in Telangana road accidents last year. He urged students to adopt defensive driving techniques to avoid accidents caused by others’ mistakes and highlighted the severe social and economic impact of road incidents on families.

D. Joel Davis also explained the Good Samaritan Act, encouraging citizens to help accident victims without fear. Under the law, helpers are not required to provide personal details or serve as witnesses, and private hospitals must offer immediate care during the critical ‘Golden Hour.’ The government is also considering reward systems for individuals who save lives.

DCP Traffic B.K. Rahul Hegde, IPS, reminded attendees that roads are shared public spaces and that traffic rules exist to protect everyone. College Principal Dr. S.V. Ramana and NSS Coordinator P. Venkateshwar Rao, along with other senior traffic officials, joined the discussion and called on students to serve as road safety ambassadors in their communities.