Driving test candidates in Hyderabad trained in first aid and CPR

First Aid and CPR Awareness Program at Nagole Driving Test Track

On Thursday morning, January 8, 2026, hundreds of people arrived for their driving tests at the Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram driving test track in Nagole. Instead of taking their tests, they participated in a first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) awareness program. This program aimed to teach life-saving skills for road emergencies.

The Nagole Regional Transport Authority (RTA) organized the initiative in collaboration with Kamineni Hospitals. This event is part of the 37th National Road Safety Month, observed from January 1 to January 31, 2026. Officials stated that the goal is to equip citizens with basic life-saving skills that could be crucial after a road accident.

Expansion of Awareness Campaign

Sheethal, a Motor Vehicles Inspector with the Nagole RTA, mentioned that the awareness drive has expanded from one week to a month due to the rising number of road accidents. “Road accidents continue to be a major concern. The idea is to ensure that at least some people at accident sites know basic first aid and CPR, so that lives can be saved before medical help arrives,” she said.

Road Accident Statistics

In 2025, Telangana recorded nearly 6,499 deaths due to road accidents, with the toll increasing each year. Following a recent accident in Mokila that killed four students and critically injured another, Joint Transport Commissioner C. Ramesh urged citizens to assist accident victims and improve road safety.

Participants in the Program

Many attendees were young men and women who were candidates for driving tests. Some were asked to participate before their test, while others joined after completing it. One attendee said, “I am attending this for the first time. I came in the morning and after my driving test, I was told to sit for the program and that my documents would be handed over later.”

Temporary Changes at the Test Track

Officials paused the driving tests to allow more candidates to participate in the awareness session. They converted the waiting area into a makeshift pavilion with an LED screen for instructions. CPR and first aid demonstrations took place outside using mannequins.

Addressing Legal Concerns

Assistant Motor Vehicles Inspector Sai Karthik addressed fears about helping accident victims due to legal concerns. “Anyone assisting an accident victim has the right to choose whether they want to be an eyewitness or not. They can help and still keep their personal details confidential. If they do choose to be eyewitnesses, the law mandates that they be treated with respect and even rewarded,” he explained.

Seasonal Hazards on the Road

Officials also warned the public about ‘seasonal contributors’ to road accidents. They cited fog during early mornings and the presence of Chinese manja on roads as growing hazards that compromise road safety.