Kolkata: Several motorists in Kolkata took the pledge to never drink and drive as part of the India Road Safety Week celebrations organised by NDTV-United Spirits Road to Safety initiative. Between 2013-2015, over 55,000 accidents were caused due to drink driving, leading to over 20,000 deaths apart from close to 60,000 injuries.
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Hazards of Drink Driving
For several hours at Kolkata’s busiest crossings, people were asked to sign up and take a pledge to make India’s roads safer and most people vowed that drinking and driving is something that they would never do in the future.
Volunteers spread the message of #NeverDrink AndDrive at the Park Circus Crossing in Kolkata
The event also saw a tow-truck with a damaged car travel across South Kolkata, to send a visible message on what happens when people sit behind the steering wheel after consuming alcohol.
A tow truck activity takes places in Kolkata during the India Road Safety Week celebrations to spread the message of responsible driving.
The tow-truck was flagged off at the seven-point Park Circus crossing in the afternoon by Fashion Designer and Social Activist Agnimitra Paul said, “I appeal to people to not risk their lives and drive after drinking. You not only risk your own life but also you can destroy the life of your own loved ones, another person on the street and his loved ones too.”
Fashion Designer, Agnimitra Paul joined in the awareness activity held in Kolkata to observe India Road Safety Week
Ms Paul added,
No one is asking people not to have a good time. But if you consume alcohol, you must ensure that you have a driver or call for a taxi. It’s a small decision that could save many lives.
As part of the campaign, participants also put pledge stickers on the windshields of several cars at Park Circus Crossing, Golpark Crossing, Deshapriya Park Crossing, Rashbehari Crossing and Hazra Crossing.
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