SAFE Annual Convention 2024 unites industry and govt leaders for safer roads and mobility

Bengaluru: The 25th SAFE Annual Convention organized by the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), a SIAM initiative, brought together industry giants, government officials, and tech innovators to discuss the future of road safety and mobility in India. Under the theme “United Efforts for Road Safety: Our Roads, Our Responsibility”, the convention showcased cutting-edge strategies aimed at reducing road fatalities and ensuring safer mobility.

The convention, held in Bengaluru, was graced by Karnataka’s top leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who emphasized Karnataka’s dedication to safer roads and sustainable transportation.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled several new initiatives, focusing on reducing road traffic fatalities with enhanced traffic management systems in Bengaluru and Mysuru. He also emphasized the state’s commitment to sustainable mobility with 5,000 new electric buses under the Shakti Scheme, highlighting Karnataka’s ambition to lead India in both safety and green transportation.

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar highlighted Bengaluru’s technological prowess and the integration of AI into transport systems to tackle traffic congestion. With over 7 crore people and 3 crore vehicles, he stressed the importance of technology-driven enforcement to elevate road safety to international standards.

Key Takeaways: Innovation and Education for Road Safety

The convention featured discussions on road safety education, technological innovations, and emergency response systems. Experts from the automotive industry, including Toyota, Honda, and Maruti Suzuki, shared insights on how AI, ADAS, and data-driven enforcement could revolutionize road safety in India.

Among the highlights:

• A free eye check-up for 15,000 BMTC drivers.
• A helmet awareness drive in collaboration with Bengaluru Traffic Police.
• Awards for 10 outstanding individuals from KSRTC, BMTC, and Bengaluru Traffic Police for their contributions to road safety.

The Road Ahead: 50% Reduction in Traffic Deaths by 2030

The urgency of reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2030, in line with UN goals, was a key focus. Industry experts discussed global success stories like Sweden’s Vision Zero and Norway’s traffic strategies, urging India to adopt similar models.

The convention didn’t just focus on safety but also sustainable mobility, including ethanol-based transport and hydrogen fuel ecosystems. Karnataka is set to become a leader in net-zero urban transport, with Bengaluru aiming to be the first city in India to achieve this milestone.

The 2024 SAFE Annual Convention underlined the need for collaboration between the government, industry, and community to create safer roads and sustainable transportation.