Mangaluru: A police inspection of tourist vehicles in Mangaluru has revealed that several emergency panic buttons installed for passenger safety were not functioning, raising concerns over compliance with mandatory safety regulations.
The inspection was carried out by the Mangaluru City Police as part of a special drive to verify whether panic buttons and Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) installed in commercial passenger vehicles were operational. The exercise comes amid increased emphasis on ensuring commuter safety in public transport.
Several safety devices found non-functional
During the inspection, police found that panic buttons fitted in a number of tourist vehicles failed to function when tested. Vehicle owners and drivers were instructed to rectify the defects immediately to ensure passengers can use the emergency alert system whenever required.
Officials reminded operators that panic buttons are a crucial safety feature, particularly for women, children and passengers travelling alone.
Safety mechanism linked to control room
The panic button system is designed to send an instant alert along with the vehicle’s location to the Transport Department’s 24×7 Command and Control Centre. The control room then alerts the jurisdictional police, enabling a quick emergency response. Authorities have previously stated that improper installation, disconnected wiring or inactive devices can prevent alerts from reaching the control room.
Authorities stress compliance
Police urged tourist vehicle operators to regularly inspect their safety equipment and ensure that both the panic buttons and tracking devices remain in working condition at all times.
Officials warned that passenger safety cannot be compromised and said similar inspections will continue to verify compliance with government regulations. They added that operators who fail to maintain mandatory safety equipment could face action under the relevant transport rules.