Asleep at the wheel

KSRTC Kozhikode-Bengaluru Super Deluxe bus overturned after losing control near Bengaluru, in which the driver, Mithilesh and conductor Arun died. Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver fell asleep while at the wheel. As per reports, the majority of accidents at night are due to drivers falling asleep.

The bus that started from Kozhikode at night met with an accident at around 6:30 am. The driver was a temporary employee. He reached the depot on Friday morning after completing a Mysore service. That same night, he was tasked with driving the Bengaluru Deluxe. As per the rules, a double duty (16 hours) requires the next day off. Moreover, double duties should be avoided if possible for the safety of the passengers. Some drivers take up the work since they stand the chance of getting Rs 1820 for doing extra double duty.

The appointment of temporary drivers for long-distance services also needs to be reviewed. Although there are about a thousand vacancies for the posts of driver and conductor, they have not yet been reported to the PSC. Similarly, the rule is that only a driver-cum-conductor can be appointed for long-distance services. Since seats are reserved online, the conductor does not have much work. If both of them drive in turns, accidents will also be reduced.

The post of driver cum conductor was introduced in the wake of increasing accidents. Although seven hundred people are required, the appointment has not been completed yet. A busy day at work requires a good night’s sleep, while a workout session at a gym requires proper recovery. Similarly, a tight schedule of driving requires a sound sleep, but KSRTC drivers may have even forgotten what it is like to sleep peacefully. It has even been reported that drivers sometimes apply Vicks to their eyes to prevent them from falling asleep while on extra duty.

In the wake of such accidents, the officials will wake up and follow the rules, but it will not take them so long to revert to the old ways. This needs to change, especially in long-distance services. Transport Minister C.P. John has said he will investigate the plight of KSRTC drivers working without rest. An investigation alone would not be sufficient. If the recommendations in the investigation report are not implemented, these tragic incidents will repeat.

It is high time KSRTC appointed expert drivers with experience in long-distance services rather than giving the reins to temporary drivers who juggle between multiple services. Similarly, worn-out buses are another source of concern. The government should consider the proposal to take out a loan to purchase about 1,000 new buses with immediate priority. The private sector is using new luxury buses for long-distance services. Governments in other states are also emulating this move. In Kerala, new buses should be used for long-distance services. People want a safe and comfortable journey, and KSRTC has a responsibility to ensure that happens.