Activists want regular checkups for bus drivers

Two days after a PMPML bus driver suffered from convulsions on duty and rammed onto two motorcycles,civic activists have urged PMPML authorities to ensure that only mentally and physically fit drivers be allowed on duty.

Two days after a PMPML bus driver suffered from convulsions on duty and rammed onto two motorcycles,civic activists have urged PMPML authorities to ensure that only mentally and physically fit drivers be allowed on duty. There should be no compromise with the safety of commuters in the bus and on the roads, the activists have urged PMPML chairman and managing director RN Joshi.

It is reported that a 52-year-old PMPML bus driver suffered from convulsions while driving a bus and hit two motor cycles. It was a only matter of good fortune that no one was injured in the mishap. This incident has once again put the limelight on the state of health of PMP bus drivers. It is a known fact that the bus drivers are under stress due to the deplorable driving conditions the horrific traffic,the narrow congested roads and poor state of buses. It is essential that the driver should be in good health. We have been repeatedly writing to PMPML management stressing the need for good health care for PMP staff,especially bus drivers, said civic activists Prashant Inamdar and Jugal Rathi.

In fact,Prashant Inamdar,who is convenor of Pedestrians First has dashed off yet another letter suggesting measures to ensure that only fit drivers are put at the steering wheel.

There should be a system of periodic medical check-up (at least once a year but preferably once in six months) of drivers for which PMPML should enter into an arrangement with reputed hospitals. Drivers found unfit should be immediately withdrawn from driving duty and suitable medical treatment given to them, said Inamdar in the letter.

Medical checkup is mandatory only for drivers above 55 years. It is not uncommon to find even youngsters suffering from hyper-tension,high BP,diabetes,heart ailment,eye problems. Whether the driver is young or elderly,any such ailment afflicting him is bound to put the lives of citizens in danger. Hence periodic medical check-up should be made mandatory to all drivers irrespective of age, the letter stated. Before handing over charge of the bus,the controller or officer-in-charge should ensure that in general the driver is in a fit state to drive. To prevent drunken driving,it is pertinent that each depot and parking station for buses should have breathanalyzer instrument in good working condition and drivers should be subjected to the test as required before joining duty, said Rathi of PMP Pravasi Manch.

Health-care for drivers should not be restricted only to physical health. Inability to handle the stress could lead to mishaps. PMPML should avail the services of organizations or expert groups who conduct courses in yoga,pranayam and meditation techniques. All drivers should undergo the courses in rotation. There could be refresher or advanced courses thereafter, Rathi said. In addition to stress,they may have personal issues which could have an adverse effect on driving. There should be a counselling cell, Inamdar added.

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