The Transport Department is contemplating framing of criminal charges against bus owners and drivers for violating road safety rules following the recent bus mishaps. Stating that most bus owners were violating rules like not having two drivers for journeys exceeding more than five hours, Transport Commissioner Anantha Ramu warned that criminal cases would be filed against such persons.
Refresher courses
Addressing a one-day workshop on ‘Road safety management in APSRTC and accident prevention’, he said efforts were on to make drivers of transport vehicles undergo refresher courses from recognised driving schools at least once a year.
The Union government was also approached to conduct a study on the suitability of high-end buses to Indian road conditions and also recommend any suitable modifications, if necessary. A similar suggestion was made to Volvo bus representatives during a meeting with the department authorities last week, he said.
150 participants
Over 150 supervisors, drivers and engineers of APSRTC attended the workshop addressed by experts from Volvo, Ashok Leyland and other bus manufacturers.
Suggestions sought
APSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director A. K. Khan sought suggestions from his staff on measures to increase passenger safety with regard to parameters such as defects in the bus design, automatic door opening system, diesel tank position, air conditioning etc.
No more defective buses
The RTC would desist from purchasing defective buses if the staff detected any glaring defects, he said.
Drivers would also be trained in tackling emergencies and also help create awareness among passengers on safety issues, he added.
Tampering of locks
Bus manufacturers -- Ashok Leyland, Volvo and others observed that tampering with speed locks for more speed and electric wiring could lead to fires. The representatives of these companies advised bus drivers to take a break after every 200 km of journey.
Brijesh, a Volvo service engineer from Bangalore, said a two-minute video about the provision of hammers and fire extinguishers in the bus would be shown hereafter. His company would also submit a report to the government about the reasons behind the recent accidents.
