Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched a road safety and health initiative aimed at over 1,250 drivers in Mizoram to promote safe driving practices. This initiative, aligned with ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), comes in response to the increasing number of road accidents in the state. Mizoram recorded 106 road accidents in 2023 and 124 in 2024, with fatalities reaching 96 and 112 respectively. Contributing factors include speeding, traffic violations, and insufficient enforcement measures. Through this initiative, Toyota is partnering with local authorities to educate commercial drivers and promote their overall well-being through health check-ups.
TKM’s program is designed to enhance road safety by focusing on two critical aspects: education and health. The initiative includes Road Safety Awareness Sessions aimed at educating commercial drivers on the importance of safe driving practices and compliance with traffic regulations. These sessions emphasize the significance of adhering to road rules, understanding penalties for violations, and maintaining overall well-being. Additionally, they provide insights into the value of vehicle insurance and compliance, ensuring drivers are aware of their legal and financial responsibilities.
Alongside safety education, the program prioritizes the health of drivers through Comprehensive Health Check-ups. Regular screenings are conducted to assess vital health parameters such as blood pressure, sugar levels, eyesight, and hearing. These check-ups help identify potential health concerns that could impact a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
To further support drivers, the program offers essential medications and health guidance based on screening results. In cases where further medical attention is required, drivers are referred to government health centers for specialized care. By integrating both safety education and health monitoring, TKM’s program ensures that commercial drivers are well-equipped to navigate roads responsibly while maintaining their well-being.
Additionally, to improve road safety monitoring, 34 units of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and 20 CCTV cameras are being installed in key locations to discourage traffic violations and enhance enforcement.
The event was attended by Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl, who emphasized the importance of multi-faceted efforts to ensure safer roads. He highlighted that a majority of accidents occur due to driver carelessness, which can often be prevented with proper education. He also urged commercial vehicle drivers, particularly truck drivers, to participate in the initiative.
Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Governance at TKM, reiterated Toyota’s commitment to road safety, stating, “Our mission goes beyond responsibility; it’s about actively engaging with drivers, offering them the knowledge and support they need for safer roads. This initiative is a part of our ongoing efforts to improve driving behavior and safety through education and health support.”
In addition to this program, TKM also celebrated the success of its second batch of the Toyota Safety Education Program (TSEP) and the completion of its 24-hour Toyota Hackathon, where participants tackled various road safety challenges. These efforts reinforce Toyota’s dedication to fostering a safer, more responsible, and technologically advanced mobility ecosystem in India.
