Bangalore : Staying true to its unwavering commitment to road safety, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) successfully concluded the second annual edition of its flagship Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP) in Bangalore. The program, aptly titled “Road Safety – My Right, My Responsibility,” continues to empower future road users with the knowledge and responsibility necessary for safer roads across India.
Chief Guest Dr Anil Kumar Bangalore traffic police department along with Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, TKM, graced the event, underscoring the importance of fostering road safety awareness at the grassroots level. Designed to engage school children as key ambassadors of road safety, TSEP has proven to be a transformative initiative that nurtures responsible road behaviour and creates a ripple effect across families and communities. The success of TSEP is evident in measurable outcomes, with evaluations depicting significant improvement in road safety awareness levels among participants, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in fostering a culture of road safety among young learners.
India records the highest annual road crash fatalities globally, with over 1,50,000 deaths each year. Road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among people aged 5-29. To combat this crisis, TKM launched TSEP in 2007, integrating road safety into school curriculums. Through its “Child to Community” approach, TSEP has empowered over 800,000 students nationwide, transforming schoolchildren into advocates for road safety. This year, building on its success, TKM celebrated the culmination of program batches in Bangalore and Delhi. As the initiative expands, the next phase will launch in Mumbai, with an annual event set for 11th February 2025. The program aims to engage over 70,000 students and 600 teachers across 140 schools, reinforcing its commitment to achieving zero road fatalities.
Rooted in TKM’s “Real World Safety” philosophy, TSEP takes a holistic approach by integrating safe vehicle manufacturing, user education, and traffic environment improvements. By fostering awareness and responsible road behaviour from a young age, the initiative continues to shape future generations, driving India toward safer and more responsible road usage. The program employs a unique ABC Approach:
· Awareness: Educating students on road safety rules and best practices.
· Behavioural Change: Encouraging positive and responsible road usage habits.
· Campaigns: Driving engagement through interactive and impactful activities.
This comprehensive framework not only engages students but also strengthens schools by offering structured training for teachers, equipping them to integrate road safety education into their curricula and foster long-term community impact. By creating Road Safety Clubs in participating schools, the program ensures sustained engagement through peer-to-peer learning and collaborative initiatives.
A standout feature of the Bangalore event was the creative participation of students, who showcased their understanding of road safety through activities like poster-making, skits, songs, Mad Ads, and fact-based video presentations. These interactive formats made learning engaging and impactful, while also inspiring innovative solutions for safer roads.
The event concluded with an award ceremony honouring the exceptional efforts of students, teachers, and schools that played a pivotal role in amplifying the program’s impact. Their innovative contributions have been instrumental in spreading the message of road safety to wider audiences.
Present at the occasion, the Chief Guest – Dr Anil Kumar Bangalore traffic police department said, “Programs like the Toyota Safety Education Programme demonstrate the powerful impact of early education and community engagement in fostering responsible road behaviour. By focusing on schoolchildren, TKM is successfully empowering a generation to lead the change within their families and communities. The creativity and enthusiasm shown by students highlight the effectiveness of this initiative in inspiring a long-term commitment to road safety. Toyota’s dedication to reducing road accidents and ensuring citizen safety sets a commendable benchmark for corporate contributions toward national safety goals.”
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota, our commitment to road safety extends beyond the manufacturing of safe cars; we strive to grow in tandem with society and enrich the lives of the communities we serve. By promoting road safety and instilling behavioural change, we aim to create a safer future for all. Since 2007, through initiatives like the Toyota Safety Education Programme, we have reached over 800,000 students, empowering them to become ‘road safety ambassadors’ who inspire positive change within their families and communities. This holistic approach is a reflection of our core philosophy of giving back to society and addressing critical challenges like road safety. Together with our partners, we remain dedicated to achieving our vision of zero road fatalities and fostering a culture of responsible road behaviour across the nation.”
Since 2001, TKM has actively contributed to community development through initiatives spanning Education, Environment, Road Safety, Skill Development, Health, Hygiene, and Disaster Management. With these efforts, TKM has positively impacted the lives of over 2.3 million people, reinforcing its mission to build safer, healthier, and more empowered communities. As TSEP continues to grow, TKM remains steadfast in its vision of achieving zero road fatalities and empowering future generations to lead India toward a culture of safer and more responsible road usage.
