SAFE annual convention 2024 focuses on road safety and mobility initiatives

The Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), organised the 25th SAFE Annual Convention 2024 under the "Safe Journey (सुरक्षित सफर)" initiative in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The convention, themed “United Efforts for Road Safety: Our Roads, Our Responsibility,” gathered dignitaries to discuss strategies for promoting safe driving habits, enhancing road discipline, and improving vehicle safety.

The event was attended by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, as the Chief Guest, along with the Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, as the Guest of Honour. The Transport Minister of Karnataka, Dr. Ramalinga Reddy, and Dr. N V Prasad, IAS - Secretary of Transport, were also present, along with other industry experts and representatives from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

Welcoming the participants, Prashant K. Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, highlighted SIAM's SAFE initiative and the efforts by both SIAM and the Karnataka government in promoting road safety in the state and across India.

Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, outlined Karnataka's ongoing road safety initiatives, including investments in infrastructure and technology to improve traffic management in cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru. The state's plans to introduce 5,000 electric buses were also highlighted as part of sustainable mobility efforts.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar emphasised the use of technology to improve road safety in Karnataka, particularly in addressing traffic congestion in Bengaluru. He encouraged collaboration with the automotive industry to leverage technology for enhanced road safety.

“With India emerging as one of the largest automotive markets and boasting the second-longest road network globally, the challenge of aligning rapid economic growth with road safety is becoming more pronounced. Technologies like HSRP, ATS, and telematics have the potential to be game-changers, but their true impact depends on effective enforcement, public engagement, and cross-industry collaboration. The focus now is on bridging these gaps by leveraging expertise and technology to build a safer, more connected road system that benefits all stakeholders.” Kartick Nagpal, President, Rosmerta Technologies claimed.

Transport Minister Dr. Ramalinga Reddy spoke about Karnataka's initiatives to improve infrastructure, enforcement, and emergency care to reduce road accidents. He also mentioned the state's commitment to sustainable mobility and efforts to establish Bengaluru as a net-zero city.

The SIAM SAFE Context Paper, "Analysing India's Imperatives for Road Safety," was released during the event, providing insights into India's preparedness for safer roads. Several road safety initiatives were also launched, including a slogan competition, a free eye check-up for BMTC drivers in partnership with the Eicher Foundation and BMTC, and a helmet awareness drive with Bengaluru Traffic Police and ICICI Lombard.

During the convention, 10 individuals from KSRTC, BMTC, the Education Department, and Bengaluru Traffic Police were recognised for their contributions to road safety. Sushant Naik, President of SAFE and Global Head of Government & Public Affairs at Tata Motors Ltd, highlighted the urgency of addressing road safety issues and discussed international examples of successful road safety strategies.

The convention featured plenary sessions covering topics such as leadership in road safety, emergency response, data-driven enforcement, and technological innovation. Industry experts shared their insights and discussed various aspects of road safety, including technology's role in improving safety standards.

SIAM has been involved in promoting sustainable transportation through initiatives such as the electrification of mobility, ethanol use in transport, recycling, road safety, gas-based mobility infrastructure, and the development of a hydrogen fuel ecosystem. SIAM continues to collaborate with governments, corporations, and stakeholders to support road safety and sustainable mobility efforts in India.