Hyderabad makes Breathalyser tests mandatory for school bus drivers

The Hyderabad Traffic Police have made pre-duty breathalyser tests mandatory for school transport drivers following recent drunk-driving cases. Schools have been directed to maintain records, enforce transport safety norms, and ensure only fit drivers operate vehicles carrying students.

Hyderabad: In a significant move to enhance the safety of schoolchildren, the Hyderabad Traffic Police have made pre-duty breathalyser tests compulsory for drivers operating school transport vehicles.

The decision was taken following a series of recent incidents in which school bus drivers were booked for driving under the influence of alcohol, raising concerns over the safety of students during their daily commute.

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Officials have directed management to ensure that every driver undergoes a breathalyser test before taking charge of a school vehicle each day. “Schools were told to maintain proper records of these checks and ensure that no driver found under the influence of alcohol is allowed to operate a vehicle carrying students,” said Kajal Singh, DCP (Traffic-II).

As part of the initiative, traffic authorities had also recently held a meeting with the managements of several educational institutions, with a focus on strengthening safety standards and ensuring strict compliance with traffic regulations governing school transport.

On the other hand, officials also instructed schools to strictly enforce other transport safety measures, including preventing overcrowding in school buses, curbing speeding and rash driving. “We asked them to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and to guarantee that students are picked up and dropped off only at authorised and safe locations,” the DCP said.

Officials emphasised that the safety of children cannot be compromised under any circumstances and warned that violations of transport safety norms would invite stringent action, including criminal cases and vehicle seizure.

The Traffic Police also requested school managements to sensitise parents and private transport operators about responsible commuting practices and the importance of adhering to road safety rules.

Officials said the representatives of the participating schools welcomed the initiative and assured that the prescribed safety measures would be implemented.