NIMHANS and JH-IIRU Hold Strategic Symposium on Road Traffic Injury Prevention in India

Published

Together with India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JH-IIRU) organized the ‘Symposium on Road Traffic Injury Prevention: Series 1 - Reducing Human Behavioural Risk’ in Bengaluru, India. 

The event, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), was held in late December 2023 at the NIMHANS Convention Centre Hall, and served as a platform to disseminate findings of observational studies conducted in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region. The symposium featured impactful presentations and engaging discussions as well. 

During the inauguration ceremony, key stakeholders including Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, and the Chief Guest, Dr. Saleem M. A, Director General of Police in Karnataka, released the report titled ‘Reducing Drink-Driving in Bengaluru.’ 
 
At the symposium, attendees recognized the noteworthy contributions of NIMHANS and JH-IIRU, as well as the backing provided by BIGRS in enhancing road safety initiatives in the city. Dr. Saleem addressed the audience and underscored the importance of fostering a safety culture among vehicle users and pedestrians to complement the government's initiatives.  

The event saw active participation from 240 attendees, including members from the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, traffic police, road safety professionals, public health personnel, journalists, and medical doctors from various medical colleges, including NIMHANS.  

The symposium sessions highlighted presentations and discussions covering a range of topics such as: 

  • A public health perspective on road traffic injuries (RTIs) 

  • Helmet and traumatic brain injuries: evidence for action 

  • Speeding risk for RTIs and brain injuries 

  • Seat-belt use and RTIs 

  • Drink driving and RTIs 

  • Indian Motor Vehicle Act - 2019: enforcement and its effectiveness  

  • BIGRS, achievements and tasks ahead 

For further details, read the Deccan Herald’s article on the symposium.