Autorickshaws and mini-vans are the main modes of transportation for schoolchildren in Hassan and Chikkamagaluru districts. A few well-established private schools run buses to pick up and drop students. However, in case of other schools, children travel in autorickshaws, which carry around eight students at a time, and vans that often carry around 15 children.
In parts of Sakleshpur, Sringeri, N.R. Pura and Chikkamagalur taluks, hundreds of schoolchildren have to travel on narrow roads in autorickshaws to reach their schools. The accident at Trasi village near Udupi, has prompted the police and Transport Department staff to check if the schoolchildren are safe in these areas.
In fact, within hours of the Udupi incident, police swung into action in Hassan city. They found two autorickshaws carrying more number of children than the set limit near N.R. Circle and imposed penalties on them on Tuesday evening. The police are contemplating a drive to ensure safety of schoolchildren.
Set limit
Sridhar Naik, Road Transport Officer of Hassan, told The Hindu, “In case of autorickshaws, a maximum of six children and in mini-vans, 10 children can be taken. Many are carrying more than the allowed capacity. We have been conducting programmes to spread awareness on road safety,” he said.
Onus on parents
Mr. Naik added that he had visited a couple of private schools and instructed the managements to ensure that the safety of children is given prime importance. “I told the authorities that the school can increase the number of trips, instead of over-loading the vehicles. I have interacted with the drivers of autorickshaws and vans as well. The parents have to take extra care too. When they are paying for the service, they should ensure their children are not at risk,” he said.
