JOIN USYoga classes for BMTC drivers
In order to check the increasing number of accidents involving its buses, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation has roped in teachers of Art of Living and Brahmakumari Eshwariya Vidyalaya to conduct yoga and meditation classes for its drivers.
As per the statistics, 90 people died in accidents involving BMTC buses during 2012-13 and around 40 per cent of these accidents were due to drivers’ negligence.
On January 31, a BMTC bus rammed a parked car on the Agara Flyover, killing one person and leaving two seriously injured.
On January 27, a 23-year-old partially blind woman was killed when a BMTC bus ran her over near Madiwala, while two others were seriously injured.
The BMTC, as part of its exercise to bring down the number of accidents, has launched a programme to de-stress its drivers. The drivers are attending yoga sessions and meditation classes to remain calm and tension-free, when they are at the wheel.
Video clips
Not only this, the drivers are also being shown video clips of the plight of the families of accident victims.
They are being informed on the effects on their own lives if they cause an accident and how law takes its own course in case of an accident.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Anjum Parvez, Managing Director, BMTC, said, “Accident by a BMTC bus or any other vehicle is unfortunate. Our drivers have to pass stringent tests at the time of getting the job and every year they have to go through rigorous training. On our part, we keep making efforts to reduce the number of accidents involving BMTC buses.” B Dayananda, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said that of late they have noticed an increase in the number of accidents involving BMTC buses.
He said that many a time the buses are stopped in the middle of the road instead of the designated places, thus causing accidents. “As far as awareness about safe driving is concerned, we are with the BMTC for conducting refresher courses for drivers at regular intervals. Also, our personnel keep visiting the BMTC depots to inform the drivers about the most common violations on the road,” Dayananda added.
According to the City traffic police, with more than 6,500 buses plying, the BMTC occupies large space on the busy roads.