• By 2030, Diageo India aims to drive awareness and change the attitudes of 1 million people towards drink driving

Diageo India (United Spirits Limited), in partnership with BharatCares and the Transport Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh has inaugurated a new Driver Sensitisation Tab Lab at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Vijayawada under its ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ (WSOTR) initiative.

The inauguration was presided over by Meera Prasad, Deputy Transport Commissioner (Road Safety), and this initiative is also supported by Manish Kumar Sinha, IPS, Transport Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh. This launch marks a significant milestone in Diageo India’s mission to promote road safety and responsible consumption. With this launch, WSOTR centres are now present across 4 RTOs in the state.

Aligned with Diageo India’s ‘Spirit of Progress’ ESG action plan, Wrong Side of the Road (WSOTR) is an education-led, behavioural change initiative that leverages digital tools to address drink driving. Delivered through immersive, tech-enabled modules, WSOTR engages drivers with real-life scenario simulations to highlight the consequences of unsafe driving. At the Tab Labs, a mandatory 45-minute module for all new driving license applicants features interactive video content and behavioural assessments designed to promote safe driving habits. By simulating real-life scenarios, the programme emphasises the importance of safety, making a tangible impact on driver behaviour and road safety. The new Tab Lab in Vijayawada is part of a growing network of 84 Labs across the country, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to road safety.

Meera Prasad said, “Road safety is a critical priority for the Government of Andhra Pradesh, and we remain committed to reducing accidents through sustained awareness and behavioural-change initiatives. The Driver Sensitisation Tab Lab inaugurated at RTO Vijayawada will strengthen our efforts by equipping new drivers with practical, simulation-based learning. We appreciate Diageo India and BharatCares for their partnership in advancing responsible driving and helping build safer roads for all.”

Devashish Dasgupta, Head of Corporate Relations, Diageo India, said, “As part of our Spirit of Progress ESG agenda, we encourage responsible consumption and have invested in multiple education programmes. With our partners at BharatCares and the support of the Government of Andhra Pradesh, we are scaling our WSOTR initiative to equip drivers with the knowledge and awareness they need to make responsible choices. Changing attitudes is key to addressing the issue. We are proud to have a Tab Lab across four RTOs in the State.” 

Mayank Pathak, BharatCares said, “BharatCares is proud to partner with Diageo India on this transformative journey towards shaping positive behaviours and championing road safety. Our collaboration demonstrates the power of innovation, education, and technology in addressing critical societal challenges. Through initiatives like the Tab Lab, we are fostering a collective effort to build safer, more responsible communities.”