What started as a routine morning at the Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram driving test track in Nagole turned into an empowering experience for hundreds of aspiring drivers on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Instead of simply taking their driving tests, candidates found themselves learning invaluable life-saving skills through a comprehensive first aid and CPR awareness program.

The inspiring initiative, organized by the Nagole Regional Transport Authority in partnership with Kamineni Hospitals, is part of the 37th National Road Safety Month running throughout January 2026. Participants watched intently as medical professionals demonstrated proper CPR techniques on training mannequins, then practiced the procedures themselves—transforming from test-takers to potential lifesavers in just one morning.

"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," explained Sheethal, Motor Vehicles Inspector with the Nagole RTA. What began as a week-long awareness drive has blossomed into a month-long campaign, reflecting officials' commitment to creating a safer road environment for everyone.

The program represents a thoughtful response to road safety challenges, with the goal of building a community where more people possess the confidence and knowledge to assist in emergencies. Young men and women attending the session embraced the opportunity enthusiastically, recognizing the importance of these skills beyond just passing their driving test.

The waiting area was thoughtfully converted into a learning pavilion, complete with an LED screen displaying step-by-step instructions. Outside, hands-on demonstrations allowed participants to practice CPR techniques on mannequins, ensuring they could retain the knowledge when it matters most.

Addressing a significant barrier to roadside assistance, Assistant Motor Vehicles Inspector Sai Karthik shared encouraging information about legal protections for Good Samaritans. "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," he explained, adding that those who do choose to serve as witnesses are legally entitled to respectful treatment and even rewards.

Joint Transport Commissioner of Telangana, C. Ramesh, praised the initiative and appealed to citizens to embrace their role in improving road safety. His message was clear: every person trained in first aid and CPR becomes a valuable asset to their community.

The program also educated participants about seasonal road hazards, including morning fog and other environmental factors, empowering them with knowledge to drive more safely and respond effectively to various road conditions.

As these newly trained individuals leave with both their driving licenses and life-saving skills, they carry the potential to make a real difference. This innovative approach to driver education demonstrates how government agencies and healthcare institutions can work together to create meaningful change, one driving test candidate at a time. The ripple effect of this training could extend far beyond the test track, potentially saving countless lives across Telangana's roads.