Hyderabad: Drivers of the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) need an image changeover. They figure very poor in public perception, given their accident rate and traffic rule violations.

While number of deaths on city roads came down from 419 in 2004 to 344 last year, the situation did not show much improvement in respect of deaths caused by RTC buses. As against 70 deaths in 2004 the number last year was 69, according to A.K. Khan, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic).

He was speaking at the 17th Road Safety Week celebrations held at Falaknuma bus depot on Sunday.

While the number of injuries in accidents caused by other vehicles dropped from 3,700 in 2004 to 3,500 in 2005, in case of the RTC they increased from 294 to 304.

This explained why people were unwilling to excuse the RTC if its buses were involved in accidents, he said.

Mr. Khan asked RTC drivers not to compare themselves with other drivers as their selection was tough.

"You have to be a model for others both in safety aspect and conduct," Mr. Khan told the drivers.

He denied that the police were levying challans on RTC drivers alone.

About 20 to 30 cases were booked against other Government employees as well and between 1,500 and 2,000 against autorickshaw drivers for various offences.

Last month 33 police officers were challaned and cases booked against nine policemen for not wearing helmets.

"We believe in fair play. Let there be discipline on roads. We will not book a single case," Mr. Khan said. He expressed dismay at the scant regard educated people have for traffic rules.

A study of 100 challans levied for traffic offences showed that 90 were graduates, seven were doctors and rest postgraduates.

"On one hand, we are accused of being tough and on the other, we are asked to be extra tough," Mr. Khan said, referring to the High Court directive on strict enforcement of the helmet rule.

Road safety is key

C. Panduranga Murthy, Regional Manager, Hyderabad, said the road safety week is intended to promote road safety among drivers in particular and the public in general.

The city region is taking several measures to contain the accident rate.

Drivers are being trained at staff training colleges. Later, drivers with accident-free record were felicitated.

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