50 school bus drivers in Kerala held for drink driving

The Kerala police arrested 50 school bus drivers on Tuesday for allegedly driving drunk in four districts of central Kerala, exposing the safety of students.

During Kerala Police’s Operation Little Star in Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha in the morning, the bus drivers admitted that they took alcohol Monday night and were not aware that its traces would be found in their blood even after six hours. However, others said they took the liquor in the morning.

Kochi range inspector general of police P Vijayan said the drivers’ licences will be cancelled and they will be booked under the Juvenile Justice Act. He said the raid was carried out after parents’ complaints.

Vijayan pointed out that school authorities should check antecedents and profiles of bus drivers before making appointments. “They (bus drivers) are risking the lives of children. School authorities and parents should be aware of this.” He said despite strict checks, guidelines were flouted.

According to a Supreme Court guideline in 2014, the driver must have at least four years of experience and vehicles must take security measures and have speed governors and a proper seating capacity. But most schools have flouted the norm causing bus mishaps in the state, according to another senior police officer.