In connection with the 28th Road Safety Week celebration, a valediction function was held today at Institute of Hotel Management Srinagar to mark conclusion of the weeklong event.Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan was the chief guest on the occasion while Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone, Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Rather, and Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar, Bashir Ahmad, were also present.Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner emphasized the importance of observing traffic rules for road safety besides dissemination of information about precautionary measures among the public especially the youth. He said traffic department has pivotal role in regulating traffic management adding that people’s cooperation is must for minimizing the traffic mess and accidents. He stressed to continue the activities on sustained basis throughout the year so that the message becomes truly effective. Drivers have the share responsibility to safeguard the passengers besides reducing the number of accidents, he added.In his address, RTO, Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Rather, while providing figures as to the number of road accidents and resultant casualties in Kashmir in 2015, which saw over 5,000 accidents, 917 deaths and 8,000 cases of injuries, underscored the importance of road safety awareness programmes across the valley. He expressed gratitude to general public and transporters, besides members of civil defense, civil society and NGOs who took part actively in week long awareness programmes and rallies held across the valley.DC, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, who is also a Road Safety Committee member, appreciated the efforts of all those involved in the Road Safety Week. He said all the programmes held are praiseworthy. He emphasized on organizing such programmes in summers so that students are imparted awareness in this regard.Later, mementoes and certificates were presented to the participants of the week long 28thRoad Safety Week programme.