I had written a letter to the Hon Minister Shri Ramalinga Reddy with statistics, observations and suggestions regarding accidents pertaining to KSRTC and BMTC buses. I am grateful that the Hon Minister took time to go through it.
Sharing this reply with all friends of the foundation.
This letter was sent by the official concerned with the division which looks after accidents.
I am thankful to The Hon. Minister.
Thank you Sir
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In continuation of your mail dated 25.05.2016 we deeply regret for the loss of invaluable life of your daughter at Vellore in a road accident on 9th September 2014. We are proud that a foundation has been started in the name of The Arundhathi Foundation (in memory of Dr Arundhati Sanjay Tambwekar).
The following are the measures taken by KSRTC to prevent accidents and educate the crew.
a. Best vehicle maintenance practices are adopted to improve the safety aspects in operation of buses.
b. The selection process of drivers has been streamlined to ensure the selection of qualified and experienced drivers. Earlier the minimum qualification of drivers was 7th Std pass, whereas now, minimum qualification is 10th Pass.
c. The minimum age limit of drivers for the appointment in KSRTC has been raised from 21 to 24 years.
d. Electronic driver testing track is now used : extremely transparent system with more objective and no discursive, no role for manipulation, quicker than any other system. First of its kind in country. Driving test are video graphed.
e. The newly selected drivers are imparted necessary training about safe driving before sending them on schedule duties.
f. The drivers who have attained 40 years of age are made to undergo eye vision test once in every 2 years compulsorily.
g. Depots and line checking staff have been supplied with Breath-Analyzers to conduct surprise check on drivers.
h. Drug addict drivers are subjected to undergo de-addiction programme, which is a unique programme among State Transport Undertakings to avoid drunken driving.
i. To improve driving comfort buses are provided with ergonomically designed seats. To reduce driver-fatigue, power steering and synchromesh gearbox are being provided in the buses. The power steering avoids skidding of buses.
j. In mofussil services, the drivers with 5 years of accident and default free services are being awarded with Silver Medals and those with 15 years of accident and default free record are being awarded with Chief Minister’s Gold Medal, Cash reward and Cash Incentive every month.
k. For driver’s comforts upgraded crew rest rooms are provided at all the depots and major bus stands
l. For Night services & long distances routes are operated with fixed drivers and vehicles.
m. In order to refresh and to alert drivers between 01.00 am to 05.00 am for about 15-20 minitues rest is provided at 12 identified checkpoints in various sectors.
n. All type of vehicles are fitted the speed governor. Which are periodically checked by Divisional Mechanical Engineer.
o. Accident prone places are identified and same is displayed in the depots for the information of drivers.
p. The drivers found fully or partially responsible for fatal accidents are being placed under suspension immediately besides taking Disciplinary action.
q. The drivers with bad driving habits and accidents record are identified and deputed to the Drivers Training Institute for refresher courses regularly.
r. Action has been taken to display Emergency Exit signage’s inside the bus, the conductors have been advised to address the passengers about the usage of emergency door.
s. While booking crew for night service and long distance routes sufficient rest will be provided before sending them on next duty.
t. Only Senior skilled drivers who are imparted with rigorous training and qualified by Volvo Company are selected for operation of high end buses.
u. The Technical Staff maintaining Volvo buses have been well trained Volvo Company from time to time besides Volvo buses are maintained under supervision of Volvo Engineers.
v. Two fire Extinguishers are provided in Volvo buses for emergency fire hazards & the crew is trained to operate them
w. KSRTC buses are provided with emergency Doors/Exits for usage by passengers in case of emergency.
x. Information to the travelling public in Volvo buses regarding the operation of Emergency doors, First Aid Box, Roof Ventilator, Fire Extinguisher etc., which are provided in the bus. These information is also provided through video show at the beginning of the journey in the bus.
y. Banners are displayed in the major bus stations duly mentioned prohibiting carrying of explosives in the buses of the Corporation.
z. Road Safety day is be conducted once in every month.