Container vehicle drivers refreshed on road safety

Container vehicle drivers refreshed on road safety

Mangalore Today News Network

June 21, 2016: In the aftermath of several deaths caused due to a series of accidents a container vehicle in the outskirts of Mangaluru city recently, MCTP, Mangaluru City Traffic Police have taken up an initiative to sensitize container drivers/owners regarding the locking system and safe driving.

Soon after the incident, MCTP under the leadership of M Uday Nayak, ACP (traffic) started the inspection of dozens of ’Platform vehicles’ that ply in the National Highways in Mangaluru commissionerate limits.

"So far, we have inspected around 80 vehicles and one case has been booked for negligence for not locking properly. The exercise will continue in the coming days and stern action will be taken against the violators," said Uday adding that notices will be issued to the vehicle owners.

He mentioned that platform vehicles are needed to be locked properly on all side before taking to the road.  However, few negligent drivers fail to do so which results in mishap. Same was the reason behind the accident at Valachil on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway 75 on June 10.

Uday said that empty vehicle which was plying from Bengaluru to Mangaluru was not properly locked. The driver was driving at a high speed and lost control, allegations were made that he was on the mobile too, first hit the median, resulting in tyre bursts due to which the unlocked container rolled on an auto on the other side of the road, which was following the car, resulting in five deaths on spot and several injuries.

On June 17,  Saturday, MCTP which roped in Container Association, Mangaluru conducted an awareness programme at Baikampady. Around 30 platform vehicle drivers attended the session.

Uday said that drivers were made aware regarding the proper locking and securing of containers, to follow lane discipline, control rash and over speeding, noise and proper maintenance of vehicles. "Apart from it, we also heard their grievances. Some drivers pointed out that vehicle owners do not provide additional crew of helper/conductor. So, they are forced to drive alone and continuously for hours, which proves negative seriously often."