The Kerala government has announced plans to launch a “Road Safety Cadet” programme in schools across the state to promote road safety awareness, trauma care skills and first‑aid knowledge among students. The initiative will be jointly implemented by the General Education and Motor Vehicles departments as part of an effort to build a safer road‑use culture with active participation from young learners.
Programme Launch and Development
The programme is scheduled to be inaugurated later this month at Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district, with the pilot phase having been completed at John F Kennedy Memorial School in Mavelikkara taluk. In its first phase after rollout, the initiative will be implemented in one high school or higher secondary school per educational district, prioritising government and aided institutions. The state’s Education Minister V Sivankutty, who also oversees the Labour portfolio, described the move as a significant step towards integrating road safety awareness into the school education curriculum and preparing students for responsible citizenship on the roads.
Cadet Training and Activities
Each batch under the Road Safety Cadet programme will consist of 30 students (equal boys and girls). The training syllabus includes:
- 15 hours of academic classes covering road safety rules and principles.
- 5 hours of work experience in practical tasks and activities.
- 10 hours of physical training to support tactical and safety skills development.
Cadets will also receive training in trauma care, first aid, anti‑drug awareness, and swimming, in collaboration with emergency services including the fire brigade. Additionally, technical workshops with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will give cadets practical exposure to transport safety practices.
Roles and Deployment of Road Safety Cadets
Once trained, Road Safety Cadets — identifiable by their red T‑shirts with black and yellow stripes, black shoes and maroon caps — will take on safety roles such as:
- Safety coordinators in school vehicles and vans,
- Helping manage and regulate traffic at school premises, and
- Assisting officials from the Motor Vehicles Department in analysing road accident causes.
To support this initiative, the Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA) has allocated Rs 10 lakh to fund cadet uniforms. Cadets who complete the training will receive certificates from the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), and the government is considering awarding grace marks to recognise student participation.
Educational and Social Impact
By integrating road safety training into school activities, Kerala aims to foster greater awareness of traffic rules and safety practices among young citizens. This initiative complements other safety measures such as accident and insurance schemes being considered for students, and reflects broader efforts to improve public safety and civic responsibility across the state. The programme’s structured training model is expected to encourage a culture of safe behaviour, reduce road accidents involving school communities, and equip future generations with practical life skills for emergency response and responsible road use.