Liberal policies to blame for mishaps, say experts

“Liberal” policies by the toad transport offices (RTOs) when it comes to issuing driving licenses are among the prime reasons for mishaps, note experts. “Giving licences without proper examination is the first reason (for mishaps), the second is the lack of road engineering and mass transport,” noted former IPS officer SPS Yadav, attributing “lack of skills among drivers” as the prime reason for road accidents.

Yadav, who retired as commissioner of police, Thane, and was joint commissioner of police (traffic) in Mumbai, said, “Licenses should be granted after vigorous tests and protocols,” with repeaters being asked to make a fresh attempt after proper training. He stressed on the need to screen applicants as per a set protocol. “Many a time, they pass (the test) via an agent. This must be done away with,” stressed Yadav.”

Experts also stressed on the need to strengthen the motor driving schools system and extend it to cover 2-wheelers.

SR Tambe, former chief of the state accident prevention committee, said it was necessary to inculcate better road manners and defensive driving in drivers.

Tambe pointed out that present procedures to grant driving licences were nominal compared to rigorous systems in countries like the UK. Moreover, the high number of applicants in RTOs coupled with staff shortage makes things difficult to screen individual applicants thoroughly, said Tambe.