Tamil Nadu’s Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), which operates bus services in Chennai, has introduced a new move to enhance road safety. The new policy requires MTC bus drivers to undergo breath analyzer tests at the beginning of both their morning and afternoon shifts to check for alcohol consumption. Here’s more information about this new move to improve road safety.
MTC Bus Drivers To Undergo Breath Analyzer Tests
Alcohol detection machines were used to detect alcohol levels in the blood of locomotive and airline pilots. However, with this move, MTC bus drivers will be required to appear for a breath analyzer test at the beginning of their shift. The permissible alcohol content in blood is about 30 milligrams (mg) per 100 millilitres of blood. However, even if the officials find a reading between 10 to 15 mg, the driver shall not be allowed to resume his/her duty. MTC has introduced breath analyzers at all of its 32 bus depots.
Currently, when an accident occurs, the police check the blood alcohol levels of the driver. However, with the breath analyzer units, this work will be simplified. It will act as a preventive measure and help reduce possible road accidents caused due to a bus driver under the influence of alcohol. If routinely measured and recorded, it can help the bus corporation not only save lives but also save thousands and millions spent as compensation amounts.
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The Need For Breath Analyzer Tests
India has the highest number of road fatalities every year, as per many global and official reports. A major cause of many of these fatalities is driving under the influence. Recently, the MTC, Tamil Nadu State Transportation Corporation (TNSTC), and State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) have recruited temporary drivers. There were many recent videos of bus drivers driving under the influence. This poses a significant risk to the safety of passengers as well as the bus driver, making breath analyzers the need of the hour.
However, some officials have also stated that drivers may test positive due to medication taken before their duty. They cleared that such practical concerns will be considered when interpreting results.
Breath analyzer units have been introduced in SETC and all TNSTC divisions. A total of 339 devices have been procured and distributed in Villupuram (70), Salem (39), Kumbakonam (50), Coimbatore (82), Madurai (58), and Tirunelveli (20). SETC has also introduced 20 breath analyzer units.
Government Buses And Accident Insurance
Currently, when an accident involving a government bus occurs, the police register a case of negligence against it. Blood tests of the bus driver are conducted and if the driver tests positive, the compensation goes into several lakhs. This holds even if the driver isn’t at fault.
Government buses, unlike private or commercial vehicles, are not covered under accident insurance schemes. In the light of an accident, victims must go to court to file their claims. To make this process more efficient and streamlined, the government has set up the Accident Claim Settlement Fund that receives an annual allocation of 60 crores.
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Summing Up
Drivers in the MTC are mandatorily required to undergo breath analyzer tests at the start of their shifts. This move will likely enhance road safety by presenting an accurate record of the bus driver’s blood alcohol levels. It will also enable to take necessary precautionary measures against the drivers, such as restricting them from resuming their duties if found under the influence.
