Mysore/Mysuru: “Life is very precious. Always discourage your friends and family who ride without helmets because it might be the last time you see them,” said Murgesh Premkumar, Founder, The Workshop Factory.

He was speaking at the Traffic Awareness Programme held at Mahajana First Grade College (FGC) in Jayalakshmipuram here recently.

The event was organised by the Traffic Awareness Committee, the Department of Physical Education and NCC in association with IQAC with the intention of educating the students about traffic safety measures.

Murgesh, who lost his brother two years ago in a road accident, has been involved in educating the youths about safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents.

“My brother’s death impacted me and my family deeply. His small decision to not wear a helmet took away his life. Don’t commit the same mistake. You will leave your loved ones in a lot of pain,” he said and added, “Always be extra cautious while riding. Ensure to wear safety gears. Nothing prepares you for a crash. No training ever is going to help you. Every rider should abide by the traffic rules for their own safety.”

He urged students to change their helmets once in 5 years or if it is damaged in a fall. He also presented statistics to show that 90% accidents occurred within 5 km radius of the rider’s house.

On an average, 47 people die in road accidents in our country every hour. The ratio of male to female death due to road accidents is 100:30. A total of 181 people have died in the past year out of which 30 people were aged between 18 and 25 years, he stated.

Murgesh also educated the students about various motorcycle gears, riding gears and so on.

College Principal Dr. B.R. Jayakumari; Head of the Department of Physical Education Dr. Bhaskar; Major B.R. Nikhil from NCC, staff and students were present at the event.