Bengaluru Traffic Police Book 26 School Bus Drivers for Drink-Driving in Latest Drive

Bengaluru: In a significant enforcement action against drink-driving, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) on Monday apprehended 26 school bus drivers out of 3,676 buses and vans inspected across the city. This operation represents the largest number of drivers booked in a single drive this year and marks the fourth such crackdown.

This year has already seen a worrying trend with a total of 72 drivers caught driving under the influence. The previous crackdown, conducted a month ago, resulted in 23 drivers being booked. These numbers have sparked growing concerns among parents about the safety of their children during school commutes.

Parental Concerns and Safety Measures

Parents are increasingly alarmed by these developments. Reshma, a parent from RR Nagar, whose son is in class 7, shared her apprehension. She reported that while the issue might not be apparent in larger school buses, children in smaller vans have occasionally complained about the smell of alcohol on their drivers.

She emphasised the need for additional safety measures, stating, “Having a helper on board and installing mandatory CCTVs inside the buses are essential. Parents cannot check if drivers are drunk, so schools must ensure checks are done before buses leave their premises every morning.”

Similarly, Ashish, a parent from Electronics City, highlighted the complications arising from schools using contract services. “Many schools rely on contract services, which complicates direct supervision. Ultimately, the responsibility for children’s safety lies with the schools. They need to establish procedures to prevent such issues,” he said.

Legal Actions and Statistics**

The drivers who were booked face charges under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Their driving licences have been forwarded to the regional transport offices for suspension. This legal action is part of a broader effort to address and mitigate the risks associated with drink-driving.

The special drives conducted this year are detailed below:

• August 5
  Vehicles checked: 3,676
  Drivers booked: 26
• July 9
  Vehicles checked: 3,016
  Drivers booked: 23
• February 22
  Vehicles checked: 2,059
  Drivers booked: 7
• January 23
  Vehicles checked: 3,414
  Drivers booked: 16

These figures reflect the growing concern and action being taken by the Bengaluru Traffic Police to ensure road safety, particularly in relation to the safety of school children.

Additional Violations and Fines

On Sunday, the East Division traffic police recorded 2,127 cases of various violations, including wrong-side driving, footpath parking, and failure to wear helmets or seat belts. Fines amounting to Rs 10,63,500 were collected during this enforcement action. This reinforces the ongoing efforts to curb traffic violations and enhance road safety across the city.

Conclusion

The recent crackdown by the Bengaluru Traffic Police underscores a critical issue of drink-driving among school bus drivers. As concerns about student safety rise, there is an urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter supervision. The authorities’ efforts are crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring the well-being of children commuting to and from school.