Picture for representational purpose only.

MUMBAI: The RTO is seeking assistance of auto drivers to prevent fatalities due to road mishaps.

The RTO in western suburbs will sensitise a group of auto drivers in Andheri on Saturday on how to save lives and shift victims of road mishaps to hospitals during the 'crucial golden hour ' -- the first hour immediately after the accident. The event is being organised with the help of expert doctor trainers from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital.

"We will be training auto drivers on how to use first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training to save lives on the road," said KT Golani, vice president of WORSPA (Welfare Organisation for Road Safety & Prevention of Accidents). He stated that auto drivers are the first responders to any mishap on lanes and bylanes of Mumbai. They witness the accident, be it a two-wheeler rider being injured or a motorist being critically wounded, and can rush to the rescue of victims, he stated.

He further said, "At least 60 auto drivers have expressed willingness to attend this training event, which will be launched by regional transport officer Abhay Deshpande at the RTO office in Andheri at 11 am on Saturday."

Another senior official said that the state has the dubious record of having third largest number of road accidents, fatalities and injuries among all states in the country. "The issue has to be dealt with seriously, and we have given priority on this aspect during the ongoing Road Safety Fortnight," he added.

