ISLAMABAD, July 31: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday inaugurated the establishment of the country’s first Road Safety Institute (RSI).

The RSI, which is being established by National Highways and Motorways Police, will educate drivers about traffic laws, driving hazards, and the precautionary measures that must be taken while driving.

The inauguration of the RSI was held in the Presidency where the Federal Minister for Communication, Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan, gave a detailed briefing on the Institute.

The Institute is being set up on 80 kanals of land in Sector H-8 at the cost of Rs38 million, and is expected to open in six months.

“Once the Institute is established, it will be mandatory for all private and government institutions to ensure their drivers are registered with RSI.

The spokesman said the Institute will arrange ‘refresher’ driving courses for commercial drivers twice a year, and it will be mandatory for registered drivers to attend these courses.

The RSI is also planning to establish a licensing authority that will issue drivers’ licenses to commercial drivers throughout the country.

President Zardari addressed the gathering after the inauguration, where he complimented the federal minister on his achievement, as well as the efforts of the officers of the National Highways and Motorways Police for their commitment and dedication to building such an important national institution.

He added that it demonstrated their professionalism, commitment, and dedication.