Emphasising the urgent need to reduce road accidents, Kurnool District Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil urged the public to strictly follow traffic rules and exercise greater caution while driving. He made these remarks after flagging off a road safety awareness rally organised by the Department of Neurosurgery, KIMS Hospitals, Kurnool, on the occasion of International Neurosurgeons’ Day.
The rally began at Raj Vihar Circle and proceeded towards the Collector’s Office, drawing participation from doctors, hospital staff, students, and members of the public.
Rising Vehicle Numbers Demand Greater Vigilance
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Patil highlighted the growing number of vehicles on the roads and stressed the need for responsible behaviour among motorists. He urged drivers to maintain controlled speeds, strictly obey traffic signals, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
Furthermore, he noted that responsible road behaviour plays a critical role in preventing accidents and saving lives.
Helmet Use Highlighted as a Life-Saving Measure
As part of the awareness initiative, the organisers distributed helmets free of cost to motorists. Mr. Patil emphasised that wearing a helmet is a simple yet life-saving practice. He also advised that both riders and pillion passengers should wear helmets at all times to minimise the risk of severe injuries during accidents.
Neurosurgeons Highlight Impact of Road Accidents
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sumanth Kumar, Neurosurgeon at KIMS Hospitals, pointed out that a large proportion of patients requiring neurosurgical treatment are victims of road accidents. He explained that such incidents frequently result in serious head injuries, which can affect the brain and spine.
In many cases, these injuries can lead to permanent disability or even death, he said. Therefore, Dr. Kumar stressed that wearing helmets significantly reduces the risk of severe head trauma.
Importance of First Aid and Emergency Response
In addition, Dr. Kumar highlighted the importance of timely first aid and safe transportation of accident victims to the nearest hospital. He urged the public to promptly contact ambulance services during emergencies. Increasing awareness about first aid among the general public, he added, can play a crucial role in saving lives during the critical golden hour after an accident.
Wide Participation in the Awareness Rally
As per the press release, the rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from several stakeholders. Dr. Aditya, Operations AVP of KIMS Kurnool, along with doctors from the Department of Neurosurgery, Marketing GM Anand, hospital staff, students, and a large number of citizens joined the event.
Representatives from KIMS Hospitals stated that the institution plans to organise similar programmes regularly to strengthen road safety awareness and promote preventive practices among the public.