RTO trains auto, cab drivers for accident first aid

The Regional Transport Office (RTOs) seems to have woken up to the fact that saving a life during ‘golden hour’ is the most important thing following an accident. On Thursday, the Andheri RTO started giving basic training to drivers — those driving auto rickshaws and taxis, and even those who came for their learners’ licence test.

The RTO officials said that the first session explained about how the drivers can help during accidents. Doctors from a private hospital also participated in this training session.

Initially, they are roping in auto rickshaw and taxi drivers because they are present on roads all the time. “We want these drivers to know the basics of medical aid which can surely save a life,” said KT Golani, Vice President, Welfare Organisation for Road Safety & Prevention of Accidents, and a former RTO official.

In 2016, there have been 39,848 accidents in Maharashtra of which 11,730 were fatal and in 13,293 had people suffering serious injuries.