Follow traffic rules: Vivek Oberoi to Delhiites

Concerned over the increase in the number of pedestrian deaths due to road accidents in the City, Delhi police on Monday launched 'Respect the Pedestrians', a campaign to create awareness among motorists about traffic rules regarding movement of people on foot.

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi launched the campaign near India Gate and requested motorists to follow traffic rules and adapt the 'culture of respecting pedestrians'. “There has to be awareness on both ends. Both motorists and pedestrians must follow traffic rules. While the pedestrians must use pedestrian facilities like pedestrian crossing, foot over bridges and subways, the motorists must respect people out on the streets and follow the rules,” Oberoi told reporters.|

“We have been running several campaigns on our own and through media. Roping in celebrities helps in magnifying the impact of such campaigns,” said Satyendra Garg, Joint CP (Traffic). 

According to traffic cops, the number of pedestrian deaths has reduced over the last few years. While 960 pedestrians died in 2010 in road accidents, the number reduced to 946 in 2011.

“The number of pedestrian deaths till January 31 this year has come down to 66 in comparison to 70 cases last January,” Garg said.

 Meanwhile, comparing the traffic culture prevalent in Mumbai, Vivek Oberoi, who is in the city to shoot his upcoming film 'Kismat Love Paisa Delhi', said unlike the national capital, Mumbai has less infrastructure but people are more law abiding.

 The actor also appealed to women to wear helmets while driving two wheelers or even riding as pillion. In Delhi, it is not mandatory for woman pillion riders to wear a helmet. Of the total pedestrian deaths in the city in 2011, woman accounted for 60.