Una, January 7: During the driving test and vehicle passing process held on Wednesday at Kangad ground in Haroli assembly constituency, the general public was made aware of road safety rules. SDM Haroli Vishal Sharma, Motor Vehicle Inspector Sameer Dutta, and officers and employees from concerned departments were present on the occasion.
Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Una, Ashok Kumar, shared important information related to road safety with drivers and applicants. He elaborated on the mandatory use of helmets and seat belts while driving, adherence to prescribed speed limits, avoiding the use of mobile phones while driving, Good Samaritan laws, and the importance of safe driving practices.
RTO Ashok Kumar said that adherence to road safety rules can not only significantly reduce road accidents but also ensure the safety of precious human lives. He urged people to make traffic rules a part of their daily routine.

**Road Safety Campaign being conducted in January**
The RTO informed that a road safety campaign is being conducted across the country during the month of January with the aim of reducing road accidents and making the general public aware of traffic rules. In this regard, the Himachal Pradesh government has also issued necessary guidelines to all concerned departments for the effective implementation of Road Safety Month – January 2026.
He informed that the Transport Department, Himachal Pradesh, is also organizing a Road Safety Film Festival to increase public awareness about road safety. Interested participants can submit their entries by February 15.

**Participants above 18 years of age can participate**
Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Una, Ashok Kumar, said that under the "Road Safety Film Festival," any person above 18 years of age can participate by making short videos on various topics related to road safety in Hindi or English. The rules and regulations related to the competition can be downloaded from the following link: https://roadsafety.hp.gov.in/storage/files/tenders/sadak-suraksha-film-mahotsav.pdf

**Submission of Entries through Online and Offline Modes**
Participants can submit their short film/video online via the Google Form link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdh907oNQcKpqWHe1FHqXAF9K8D1FL1X7qSnhSXDjTW4FnvXw/viewform or by sending it as an attachment to the departmental email address [email protected]. Alternatively, entries can also be submitted directly to the Directorate of Transport, Nodal Agency/Road Safety Cell, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla.

**Eligibility and Criteria**
This competition is open to general citizens, students, and professional filmmakers. The minimum age is 18 years (as of or before December 10, 2025). Entries are invited from all states of the country. The film, based on road safety, should be in Hindi or English and have a maximum duration of 5 minutes.

**Prizes for the Best Participants**
The RTO stated that attractive prizes will be awarded to the best films selected in the festival. In each age category (18-25 years, 25-32 years, 32-40 years, and above 40 years), a prize of Rs. 25,000, a certificate, and a trophy will be awarded. In addition, 20 special prizes will also be given, each consisting of Rs. 5,000 and a certificate. Participation certificates will also be provided to all participants.