JOIN USDTC buses continue killing spree
It seems the intensified drive by the Delhi traffic police has failed to make any impact on the driving behaviour of the DTC bus drivers in the city.
Despite the number of prosecutions against them for violating traffic rules having witnessed a quantum jump, the number of fatal accidents involving DTC buses has increased by around 19 per cent during the first five-and-a-half months this year, as compared to the same period in 2012.
According to Delhi traffic police, 32 people have lost their lives till June 15 in fatal accidents involving Delhi Transport Corporation buses. Only 27 people had died during the same period last year, thus witnessing a jump of around 19 per cent.
A total of 68 people died in 2012 in road accidents involving DTC buses.
Traffic police officials said out of 32 people killed, six people died while boarding or deboarding the state-run buses, while 26 were knocked down by them.
In an analysis of the nature of accidents and the reasons behind them conducted by the traffic police, it has been found that ‘inexperienced driving’ was one of the major reasons.
“In several cases it was found that instead of the drivers, conductor of the bus was behind the wheel at the time of accident. The history of the past accidents is also being verified,” additional commissioner of police (traffic), Anil Shukla said.
Officials said in at least five cases out of 32, the drivers did not bother to stay back and extend help to the victim, and drove away instead.
A training programme for the DTC drivers and conductors is being conducted, officials said.
“A formal training is being provided to the DTC drivers and conductors about traffic rules and driving aspects by the road safety department of traffic police and the operational cell of DTC. Around 3,000 drivers and 240 conductors have already been trained,” said Shukla. Traffic police said they have simultaneously intensified drive against DTC buses for checking traffic violations.
“While 82 drivers were arrested for traffic violations, the number has increased to 322 this year. Around 2,200 drivers have been booked for dangerous driving and 220 for red light jumping this year,” said a traffic police officer.