Udupi District Police Conducts Special Checking Drive of School Vehicles to Ensure Children’s Safety
Udupi: In a proactive measure aimed at bolstering the safety and well-being of school children, the Udupi District Police Department executed a comprehensive special inspection campaign targeting school vehicles across the district on Thursday, June 19. The initiative, spearheaded under the guidance of District Police Superintendent Hariram Shankar, was prompted by increasing public concern regarding the potentially hazardous operation of certain vehicles transporting students.
Responding to these concerns, police personnel from every police station within the Udupi district strategically positioned themselves near school premises and major intersections to conduct thorough vehicle checks on Thursday morning. The operation focused primarily on vehicles utilized for the transportation of school children, encompassing a wide range of vehicle types including auto-rickshaws, privately owned vehicles, school buses, and two-wheeled vehicles.
Authorities adopted a stringent approach to enforcing safety regulations, with a particular emphasis on addressing instances of vehicle overloading. Stern action was taken against those found to violate established safety protocols. Specifically, two-wheeled vehicles observed carrying more than two children were issued formal warnings, underscoring the commitment of the Udupi District Police Department to ensuring responsible and safe transportation practices.
Speaking to members of the press, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shanker emphasized the district-wide scope of the initiative, stating, “There is a special drive in the entire district to check all vehicles transporting children to school, including buses, auto rickshaws, and other vehicles. We are checking for all violations, including drunken driving, lack of Fitness certificate, Overloading, etc.” This statement underscored the department’s unwavering dedication to addressing a multitude of potential safety hazards.
The impetus for this intensified enforcement stems from a recent series of incidents involving school vehicles, including reports of reckless driving and accidents. Notably, on the morning of Wednesday, June 18, a school bus carrying students was involved in a collision with a truck in Brahmavara, resulting in minor injuries to the children on board. Furthermore, a formal complaint was filed with the District Police Superintendent concerning a school bus observed driving on the wrong side of the road, further highlighting the urgent need for intervention. In response to these alarming events, the District Police Department swiftly initiated a comprehensive inspection of all school vehicles within its jurisdiction. The proactive measures undertaken by the Udupi District Police Department reflect a firm commitment to prioritizing the safety of school children and ensuring responsible transportation practices throughout the district.