Sensitisation module made must to get driving licence

Panaji: Motorists in Goa must now complete an interactive driver sensitisation module before obtaining or renewing their licences. The initiative, rolled out across seven RTOs in the state, features TabLabs — learning stations equipped with tablets that present real-life accident case studies and lessons on safe driving called ‘Wrong Side of the Road’.Designed to improve road safety, the module aims to raise awareness about the consequences of reckless driving. “This is especially useful for new applications for a driving licence. It is only after the module is completed by the candidate that we issue the licence to them,” a transport department official told TOI.For the motorists approaching Panaji RTO for licensing and renewals, a total of ten tablets have been installed along with individual headphones for each, at the transport department’s enforcement wing at the Kadamba bus stand.The 45-minute module is available in English, Hindi, and Marathi. A register is maintained by the officials to record every person who undergoes the exercise.Following this, the motorists are directed to the RTO office at the Paryatan Bhavan to complete the process of obtaining or renewing their licences.“We started this initiative on a pilot basis only at a few RTOs from May 30, and the past month proved to be successful. Considering this, plans are afoot to take this module to all RTOs across Goa,” the official said.“In the coming month, we will study the progress of this initiative by requesting road accident details from the traffic cell to see if any of the people who completed the module were involved in the accidents, and if there has been any reduction in accidents overall,” the official said.The initiative was launched by Diageo India (United Spirits Limited), in partnership with BharatCares and the directorate of transport, Goa.