“I spent my early years in South Africa, where following road rules was normal and accidents were rare. We learned safety early in school. I saw this through my dad while traveling. It was just how things worked.
Moving to India in 5th grade brought a stark contrast. Roads seemed chaotic. My dad got stressed out driving, and others reacted similarly. Coming from rule-following normalcy, this difference stuck with me and shaped my view of road safety.
In school, we learned Tikkun Olam—”repairing the world.” I realized road safety was where I could contribute. My interest in science and psychology helped me grasp behavior and choices.
At 15, I witnessed a serious accident involving someone my age. It wasn’t their fault. It stemmed from others’ choices. Around then, frequent news reports of youth accidents rarely included young voices. That motivated me to start Street Smart—a youth-led organization dedicated to educating students and children on road safety.
Starting young wasn’t easy. I was often told I was “too young to care.” I focused on learning, refining my approach, and building credibility through consistent work. Interacting with students and road users, I saw unsafe habits become routine, influenced by parents, peers, and movies. For example, one person suffered a concussion imitating a movie hero riding without a helmet.
Working with young volunteers, I’ve seen how youth challenge the risks adults accept as normal. One concern is autos lacking seatbelts or anti-lock brakes. Though adding them is said to be difficult, many see it as serious since autos are widely used. They question why safety isn’t prioritized in systems millions depend on.
As a citizen, what worries me most about Hyderabad’s roads is how unsafe behavior has normalized. Rule-breaking, chaos, and risky decisions are accepted as daily life, without thought for consequences. This especially teaches youth that it’s normal. Long-term, I hope my work shifts this mindset. I want road safety embedded in the environment through education, and everyday choices. Even small awareness and empathy shifts can last, contributing to safer roads and stronger civic responsibility.”
- Hima Keerthi Raparla, Founder, Street Smart