The Karnataka government plans to request the Centre for enhanced regulations on night-time vehicle movement after a tragic bus incident near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district. State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy disclosed this in Bengaluru, emphasizing the need to prevent accidents due to driver fatigue. He highlighted a rise in nighttime road accidents and stressed the importance of drivers resting adequately before journeys and taking breaks.
To tackle the issue, Minister Reddy aims to push for new rules mandating rest for drivers on National Highways between midnight and 4 a.m. He proposed that drivers of trucks, lorries, and buses pause for at least four hours during this period to combat fatigue-related accidents. Reddy noted the risk faced by solo truck and lorry drivers compared to buses with two drivers, urging the Centre to consider this disparity in safety regulations.
Ramalinga Reddy also flagged the accident-prone area near Hiriyur, where the recent bus tragedy unfolded, pointing out past incidents at the same spot. He called on the Central government to investigate and implement corrective actions to enhance road safety in the region. The fatal accident occurred when a container truck collided with a bus on National Highway 48, resulting in a fire that claimed six lives and injured 21 others. The bus driver succumbed to injuries after being thrown from the vehicle and undergoing surgery.
