VIJAYAWADA: Driving will soon be a different experience for drivers of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation's buses in Vijayawada region.

Drivers will find themselves strapped to the seat with a belt that influences their driving patterns. While the authorities concerned insist that the move will reign in the `unruly lot' besides being a safety measure in general, a majority of the drivers do not find it a happy proposition. "I shudder at the thought of being fastened to the seat for six hours at a stretch. Besides being restrictive, the seat belt can even turn a killer in the event of a fire accident," says M. Chandrasekhar, an RTC driver operating a Hyderabad-bound hi-tech bus. Citing a recent collision of a private bus and a lorry, which resulted in explosion of the fuel tank of the bus, Mr. Chandrasekhar says a belt can prevent the driver from jumping out of the vehicle or do anything sensible at the most crucial hour.

`Not needed in city'

A.G. Prasad operates a city bus between Autonagar and Kaleswara Rao Market. He thinks use of a belt in the city is not needed. "These belts will serve the purpose on bad roads like the one between Bhadrachalam and Sileru," he maintains.

A few drivers like Ch. Rajeswara Rao are upset with the idea. "These buses did have seat belts, but they were removed for good," he says in disgust pointing to his seat. He steers the vehicle from Autonagar to Nunna. A.V. Reddy, whose bus journey starts at Foreman Bungalow and ends at Gangur each day, is not at ease with the idea. "It's not practical. The driver's seat in a bus is adjusted for correct driving posture. The seat belt rule should be confined to cars alone and buses should be spared," he opines.

M.N. Krishna tries to draw the attention to a more serious issue. "We, drivers, work in unsafe conditions. Many buses are in a bad shape and are accident-prone. There is every chance of the belt turning a noose for the driver, if the vehicle meets with an accident," he cautions.

Belts being procured

Confirming that use of seat belt will be mandatory in buses, regional manager M. Seetapathi says the RTC is in the process of procuring the belts. "Initially, we need about 600 belts for the city and Hyderabad-bound buses. The drivers will have to wear the belts, once they are affixed to the seats," he emphasises. M. Siva Reddy, yet another driver, tries to sound sensible: "We realise that we are actually handling a machine which, if not controlled properly, can be destructive both for us and others on the road. Who else will know what is good for us?"

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