RTC bus mishaps puncture safety claims

VISAKHAPATNAM: Notwithstanding the tall claims made by AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) of taking various measures to ensure a safe journey for passengers, as many as 139 accident cases, which claimed 37 lives, involving RTC buses were reported from Visakhapatnam alone since January 2016. The police said that many RTC buses were found violating traffic rules like overspeeding and signal jumping among others.

According to records available with city traffic police, around 70 road accidents involving RTC buses that claimed 10 lives have been reported from the city limits this year so far. Of the deaths, six occurred on the National Highway, while the rest were reported from Beach Road stretch and city lanes. NH-16 also saw as many as 30 non-fatal road accidents involving RTC buses. 

Last year too, the city roads saw 69 road accidents in which 26 persons died. Police said that the number of injured in these mishaps would be more than 100.  The incident of RTC bus mowing down 11 commuters at Marikavalasa on July 19, 2015, is said to be one of the biggest to be reported from Visakhapatnam. 

“If the accident occurs due to negligence, we impose fines on the drivers. After sending a report to the RTC management, he would be produced in the court for disciplinary action. Besides the court conviction, action will be also taken by the management too.  Talking over cellphones, rash and negligent driving have led to such incidents,” said ADCP (Traffic) K Mahendra Patrudu.

Sources say that a number of factors such as condition of the bus, stress factor, tight time schedule and fuel economy of the vehicles would be taken into consideration when it comes to accidents. A senior police officer said that many vehicles were not at all in a condition and due to extended working hours, the drivers are under stress which could be a reason for the mishaps.

Traffic police said that a number of times they had noticed RTC buses flouting safety norms, resorting to negligent driving and jumping the signals. APSRTC executive director (Vizianagaram Zone) A Ramakrishna said that keeping in view the road accidents involving RTC buses, the department had been conducting classes twice a week for the drivers. “Strict action will be taken against the drivers if they are found violating the road safety regulations and other malpractice,” he said. 

Pressing issues 
RTC buses found flouting norms, resorting to negligent driving and jumping signal
In 2014, a drunk RTC driver mowed down two persons at Gajuwaka 
In July 2015, 11 persons were mowed down by an RTC bus at Marikavalasa
Many vehicles are not at all in condition to ply 
Extended work hours stressing the drivers can be a reason for accidents, say cops