MYSURU: Alarmed by the increasing number of road accidents involving its buses, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has intensified efforts to discipline drivers through enhanced training programmes that rely heavily on real-life video demonstrations. The new initiative aims to correct unsafe driving practices, improve road safety compliance and promote responsible driving behaviour across all divisions, including urban and rural units of Mysuru district.
Focus on correcting negligent driving
The corporation has rolled out specialised sessions where experts use CCTV and dashcam footage from actual accident cases to demonstrate the consequences of reckless driving. These sessions aim to make drivers aware of how speeding, tailgating, negligence and sudden manoeuvres can lead to serious mishaps.
A major part of the training involves highlighting the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. Officials said distracted driving is an increasingly common cause of accidents, and drivers are being sensitised to the potentially fatal outcomes of such behaviour.
Every month, KSRTC conducts regular refresher training for drivers across the state. The new programmes, however, go a step further by offering visual, situation-based demonstrations intended to make the message more impactful and memorable.
Broader training content beyond road safety
The enhanced training modules include a wide range of topics such as behavioural approaches, defensive driving techniques, road safety compliance, visual judgment, stress management and managing lifestyle choices that influence driving performance. Drivers are also trained to maintain safe distances, be aware of blind spots, avoid unnecessary competition with other vehicles, and strictly follow traffic rules.
Retired expert drivers, head supervisors and experienced KSRTC staff have been enlisted as instructors. Their role extends beyond classroom teaching. The trainers accompany buses on live routes to observe how drivers handle vehicles under real road conditions. During these observation trips, instructors offer immediate corrective tips on overtaking, vehicle control, lane discipline and passenger safety.
Emphasis on preventive maintenance and passenger care
The corporation stresses that safe driving is not limited to manoeuvring skills alone. As part of the training, drivers are taught to ensure proper tyre pressure, check fuel efficiency, conduct daily trip inspections, and manage passenger boarding and alighting safely. They are trained to recognise signs of fatigue and to drive only when well-rested and sober.
Another major focus area is the safety of schoolchildren, senior citizens and other vulnerable pedestrians. Drivers are trained to pause adequately at pedestrian crossings and to slow down while passing through congested or sensitive areas.
New video demonstration modules
Speaking to TOI, KSRTC Mysuru divisional controller Srinivas said the corporation has introduced new video demonstration sessions covering a wide range of topics, including safe pedestrian movement. These modules are being offered in addition to the monthly refresher classes meant to reduce accidents.
Srinivas emphasised that the visual format has proved more effective in correcting behaviour and improving retention among drivers. “Drivers often realise the severity of their mistakes only after watching how small errors can lead to major accidents,” he said.
Strict disciplinary action for reckless driving
Along with training, KSRTC has also tightened disciplinary measures against drivers found indulging in dangerous or negligent driving. Depending on the severity of the violation, drivers may face suspension for periods ranging from six months to two years. The corporation has also begun cutting incentives and other government-provided benefits for repeat offenders.
In cases where drivers are appointed on an outsourcing basis, the corporation has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. Such drivers may be dismissed from service entirely if they are found guilty of reckless driving or causing accidents.
Conclusion
The KSRTC believes that combining strict enforcement with continuous capacity-building will help significantly reduce bus-related accidents across Karnataka. With video-based training, detailed behavioural sessions and on-road assessments, the corporation aims to cultivate a culture of responsible driving and ensure the safety of lakhs of daily passengers. Officials said the new initiatives will be expanded further in the coming months to include advanced simulation tools and digital tracking systems.