Biplab Das 
Road safety is an issue of paramount importance, and efforts to improve it in India have received a boost through the collaboration of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) and the Haryana Government. Honda India Foundation, in association with the Government of Haryana, is making significant strides in enhancing road safety and skill development through the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in Karnal.
India’s Road Safety Challenge
India faces one of the highest road accident rates globally, resulting in millions of lives affected each year. The Government of Haryana has taken proactive measures to address this issue by implementing rigorous testing and proper training for drivers to ensure adherence to safety norms. In this endeavor, HMSI is working closely with the government to promote road safety. Their collective vision encompasses education and awareness, engineering safer vehicles, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring swift emergency responses. They are also emphasizing “Four Es” – Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Response, all playing a crucial role in making roads safer and reducing accidents.
The Collaborative Effort
In an impactful partnership, HMSI and the Haryana Government joined forces in August 2022 to establish the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in Karnal. This not-for-profit organization operates in strict accordance with the guidelines of the Haryana Transport Department, under local authorities’ guidance. A unique feature of this collaboration is the equal partnership between the government and HMSI, reflecting their shared commitment to improving road safety and enhancing new drivers’ skills in the region.
IDTR’s Advanced Facilities
The IDTR in Karnal features an Automated Driving Testing Track (ADTT), a pioneering facility in Haryana designed for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The ADTT aims to elevate the standards of driving tests, preparing candidates for real-world driving challenges. So far, over 6,000 tests have been conducted at this facility for issuing permanent driving licenses to qualified drivers and riders.
The IDTR Approach
Understanding that people may not be familiar with automated driving tests, IDTR offers comprehensive training to help candidates adapt to this new system. This aligns with digital techniques being employed in cities across India. The IDTR emphasizes flexibility, offering candidates the convenience of choosing flexible timings for their courses. All training programs are in compliance with government-approved fee structures, and crucially, participation in these courses is voluntary, making them accessible to those who wish to enhance their driving and riding skills.
Impressive Reach and Comprehensive Facilities
Since its inception, IDTR has witnessed a substantial number of nearly 7,000 applicants from diverse backgrounds. Trainees come from various areas, creating a rich pool of learning experiences. IDTR boasts testing and training tracks for two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles, air-conditioned smart classrooms, observation rooms, in-house workshops, computer labs, medical facilities, and canteens. Additionally, aspiring drivers can rent vehicles for training purposes, further enhancing accessibility.
Honda’s Commitment to Road Safety
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has a longstanding commitment to road safety and the environment. Their mission includes transforming citizens into responsible drivers and riders. They have conducted road safety awareness programs for various age groups, reaching over 5.7 million individuals. Skilled safety instructors conduct daily programs at their 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC). Honda remains committed to its vision of zero traffic collision fatalities and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Vinay Dhingra, Senior Director – HR, Admin, IT & Corporate Affairs at Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, emphasized that this facility will elevate the standard of driving tests, ensuring that drivers are well-prepared for real-world challenges. He also noted the increasing awareness of safety rules and regulations driven by government policies.
Benefit to Society through IDTR
The collaboration between Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India and the Haryana Government, leading to the establishment of the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR), Karnal, brings numerous benefits to society. Here are some key advantages:
Making Roads Safer: IDTR’s mission is to improve road safety in India, thereby reducing accidents and making roads safer for everyone.
Skill Development: The IDTR provides comprehensive training, improving the driving and riding skills of applicants, making them more responsible road users.
Enhanced Driving Tests: With the Automated Driving Testing Track (ADTT), IDTR aims to raise the standards of driving tests, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for real-world challenges.
Flexibility: IDTR offers flexible timing options for training courses, making it convenient for applicants to enhance their skills.
Government-Approved Fee Structure: All training programs are in compliance with government-approved fee structures, ensuring accessibility for those interested in the training.
Voluntary Training: The courses at IDTR are voluntary, meaning they are accessible to individuals who wish to improve their driving and riding abilities.
Diverse Learning Experiences: IDTR has attracted nearly 7,000 applicants from diverse backgrounds, creating a melting pot of learning experiences.
Comprehensive Facilities: IDTR boasts various facilities, including testing and training tracks, smart classrooms, observation rooms, workshops, computer labs, medical facilities, and a canteen. Aspiring drivers can even rent vehicles for training purposes.
The collaboration between Honda and the Haryana Government through IDTR is a significant step towards a safer and more skilled community of drivers in Haryana, with potential benefits for society as a whole.
