219 Systematic road safety education: empowering MBA students for community leadership and sensitization

<h3>Background</h3> Road safety remains a critical issue globally, with increasing accidents highlighting the need for effective educational interventions. In India, the situation is particularly dire, necessitating initiatives that can drive community engagement and sensitization towards road safety. <h3>Objective</h3> The primary goal of this programme is to equip first-semester MBA women students with a comprehensive understanding of road safety principles and the skills necessary for community empowerment and sensitization. <h3>Programme Description</h3> This skill-based credit course provides a systematic approach to road safety education, incorporating theoretical frameworks, practical exercises, and case studies on risk assessment, emergency response planning, and community collaboration. It includes interactive workshops, expert guest lectures, and real-world project assignments. Recognizing the course’s importance, IIS University established a Road Safety Cell and a dedicated Road Safety Gallery to educate over 500 staff members, 5,000 students, and numerous visitors on road safety rules and practices. <h3>Outcomes and Learnings</h3> In the first semester, 20 students chose this course, leading to a significant increase in enrollment, with 60 students in the second semester. The State Road Safety Cell, Government of Rajasthan, became a technical partner in the IIS University Road Safety Cell. Participants demonstrated enhanced safety awareness, community engagement skills, and leadership development. They actively implemented safety initiatives within their communities, leading to tangible improvements in local safety measures. <h3>Implications</h3> The success of this programme highlights its potential for broader application in diverse academic settings. Integrating road safety education into the curriculum can promote community well-being and reduce road accidents. The partnership with the State Road Safety Cell, Government of Rajasthan, and NGOs underscores the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in achieving road safety goals. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The programme’s outcomes underscore the importance of integrating practical, community-focused education into academic curricula. Lessons learned from this initiative provide valuable insights for future projects aimed at injury safety and prevention, highlighting the critical role of education in fostering responsible and engaged global citizens.