IIT Madras Trains Karnataka Police in Advanced Crash Investigation Techniques
NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), through its Centre of Excellence for Road Safety (CoERS), conducted a three-day training programme for the Karnataka police in Mysore. The programme, titled ‘Training on Structured Crash Investigation using Root Cause Analysis Matrix (RCAM)’, aims to enhance the skills of police officers in Road Traffic Accident (RTA) investigations using design thinking principles.
The training focuses on identifying the root causes of accidents with an emphasis on understanding human factors. IPS Alok Kumar, Additional Director General of Police Training and Road Safety in Karnataka, emphasized the importance of a receptive mindset and scientific data collection procedures in crash investigations. He stated, “This program helps us establish facts and identify better interventions for the future, marking a good beginning.”
Key Outcomes of the Training Program:
- Understanding RCAM Methodology: Officers are trained to conduct structured crash analysis using the Root Cause Analysis Matrix.
- Data-Driven Interventions: Emphasis on using scientific strategies to develop targeted interventions for road safety.
- Design Thinking Approach: Sharing knowledge on applying design thinking to problem-solving in crash investigations.
- Human Factors Insight: Improved understanding of human factors leading to road crashes, enhancing the ability to conduct thorough death audits.
Chennabasavanna Langoti, Deputy Director of Karnataka Police Academy (KPA), praised the RCAM workshop for providing officers with practical skills and best practices in road crash investigation. He noted that adopting a systems approach through RCAM will enhance the capacity of officers to perform comprehensive death audits and reduce the occurrence of crashes through data-driven strategies.
The CoERS at IIT Madras, funded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, works on human factors engineering, road engineering, and vehicle engineering to improve road safety globally.