Samsung India has announced the next phase of its ‘Safe India’ campaign to promote responsible use of smartphones, especially when taking selfies, on the road. The second phase of Samsung ‘Safe India’ campaign will roll out in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Lucknow through messages being aired across radio, public information systems and LED walls as well as films and skits in schools and colleges across these cities.
Back in 2017, Samsung had pledged support to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ drive to reduce road accidents, especially those that happen due to the irresponsible usage of smartphones. India today has the highest number of road accidents globally. Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have joined the campaign by involving their administration and the traffic police to actively participate. Radio messages on the importance of responsibly using smartphones on the road, including taking selfies on the road, by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Shri Edappadi K Palaniswami, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu will be broadcast across the country.
Samsung will also partner with traffic police departments in the four cities to communicate with people on road safety through public information systems such as LED walls, text LED scroll bars and LED public display signage positioned at prominent areas in these cities. The traffic police will put-up posters at selected “No Selfie” zones in the four cities.
The study conducted across 12 cities in India showed that one-in-three car drivers tend to send a text message from behind the wheel if it were important. Pedestrians’ attitude to safety is no different from drivers, according to the survey the pedestrians who responded, 64% said they regularly answer the phone while crossing a road, while a further 18% said they would immediately respond to a call from their boss, even if crossing a road. 51% of respondents admitted that they would respond to their boss by the third call, even if in the middle of the road.
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India said, “I am deeply concerned by the fact that India has the highest number of road accidents globally. Irresponsible usage of mobile phones, including taking selfies on the road, is one of the major causes of road accidents. Please use your mobile phone responsibly.”
“Samsung cares for its consumers and the community around it. As a market leader, it is our duty to take the lead and support the Government’s vision of reducing road accidents. We are extremely honoured that the leadership of this country and of the states have extended support to the Samsung ‘Safe India’ initiative, which has gathered pace this year,” said Mr. Deepak Bhardwaj, Vice President, CSR, Samsung India.
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