<p>Viewing the growing number of road accidents across the country, the Centre is planning to introduce stricter rules for issuing driving licences. Besides, it’s a good way to make sure people are on the record, and that they know the rules of the road. <br />India registered the second highest number of road accidents in the world in 2007, according to data compiled by the World Road Statistics. <br /><br />The total number of people killed in road accidents in the country was 94,985, next only to China where 98,738 people were killed. <br />According to a report compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2007, a total of 4,18,000 accidents were reported in the country. Of these, 46,334 were reported from Karnataka. Of the total accidents, 33.6 per cent were road-related.<br /><br />More time<br />In line with the proposal, a permanent driving licence will be issued to a person two years after he receives a learner’s licence. Now, permanent licence is issued within six months once a would-be driver obtains a learner’s licence. <br /><br />The ministry also plans to increase the application fee, introduce compulsory eyesight and fitness tests before transport authorities in the states issue licences. <br /><br />According to current regulations, a person who applies for licence has to produce a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Instead of this, the ministry wants that every regional transport office in the country must employ a panel of doctors who will be authorised to issue the certificates. <br /><br />Other proposals<br />The ministry is working towards including these suggestions in its proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which is likely to come up in the Budget Session of Parliament.<br /><br />The ministry plans to impose a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and cancellation of licence if a person is found talking on a mobile while driving. The ministry also proposes to amend the Act to impose heavy fines to curb drunk driving. <br />DH News Service</p>
<p>Viewing the growing number of road accidents across the country, the Centre is planning to introduce stricter rules for issuing driving licences. Besides, it’s a good way to make sure people are on the record, and that they know the rules of the road. <br />India registered the second highest number of road accidents in the world in 2007, according to data compiled by the World Road Statistics. <br /><br />The total number of people killed in road accidents in the country was 94,985, next only to China where 98,738 people were killed. <br />According to a report compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2007, a total of 4,18,000 accidents were reported in the country. Of these, 46,334 were reported from Karnataka. Of the total accidents, 33.6 per cent were road-related.<br /><br />More time<br />In line with the proposal, a permanent driving licence will be issued to a person two years after he receives a learner’s licence. Now, permanent licence is issued within six months once a would-be driver obtains a learner’s licence. <br /><br />The ministry also plans to increase the application fee, introduce compulsory eyesight and fitness tests before transport authorities in the states issue licences. <br /><br />According to current regulations, a person who applies for licence has to produce a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Instead of this, the ministry wants that every regional transport office in the country must employ a panel of doctors who will be authorised to issue the certificates. <br /><br />Other proposals<br />The ministry is working towards including these suggestions in its proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which is likely to come up in the Budget Session of Parliament.<br /><br />The ministry plans to impose a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and cancellation of licence if a person is found talking on a mobile while driving. The ministry also proposes to amend the Act to impose heavy fines to curb drunk driving. <br />DH News Service</p>
