RTC buses, lorries and autos killed 79 in 2019

Hyderabad: Despite a decrease in road accident deaths by 11 per cent in 2019, RTC buses, lorries and autos continue to be the reason for accident deaths in the city, said Hyderabad's Additional Traffic police commissioner during an awareness programme on Tuesday.

Hyderabad traffic police conducted the awareness programme on road safety and traffic rules for auto drivers, RTC bus drivers, taxi drivers, tanker drivers, and drivers of heavy vehicles as part of the 31st road safety week at Maharana Pratap Function Hall, Amberpet, Hyderabad. During the awareness campaign Mr Anil Kumar, IPS, Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic), Hyderabad City, expressed his concern over the fatalities and urged all drivers to stop their vehicles and allow pedestrians to cross the roads. He explained the traffic rules and regulations which are enforced to create traffic discipline among commuters and save precious lives.

According to Hyderabad Traffic Police, RTC buses, lorries and autos killed 79 people in 2019. Road accident deaths decreased from 303 in 2018 to 271 in 2019. In 2017, 33 died in RTC bus accidents, 29 died in lorry accidents, and 17 in auto accidents. In 2018, 35 died in RTC bus accidents, 28 in lorry accidents and 21 in auto accidents. In 2019 the figures were 30 dead in RTC bus accidents, 33 in lorry accidents and 16 in auto accidents. Incidentally, on Tuesday morning, a 24-year-old employee of a private infrastructure firm died after her scooter on hit by a TSRTC bus at Yousufguda in Hyderabad.

While addressing the gathering of around 1,500 drivers of various transport vehicles Mr Anjani Kumar, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, explained the value of life and road safety in detail and said road accidents not only affect the family of the victim but also have affect the whole society. He said drivers should not only keep their vehicles in good condition but should also follow traffic rules to prevent accidents. Mr Kumar said the best driver is one who can anticipate the condition of an oncoming vehicle and avert accidents, save his life as well as the lives of others.

"Hyderabad city is growing rapidly and has become a hub of international business investments. We should build a new culture of road safety and security which is our responsibility and also give our children a safe Hyderabad,” he said. He also asked all the drives attending the programme to pledge road safety and said 'zero fatality' should be the goal.

Mr Kumar also felicitated the drivers who have not committed any traffic violation and were also not involved in any road accidents. Twenty “good” drivers from RTC and auto drivers were rewarded by the Hyderabad Traffic Police.