United Andhra Pradesh third in traffic mishaps
Total 14,647 people died, of which, more than 9.8 per cent lost their lives in bus accidents
Hyderabad: A total of 14,647 people died in road accidents in undivided AP in 2013, of which, more than 9.8 per cent lost their lives in bus accidents. United AP stood third in the country with 43,048 cases of road accidents reported, as per the latest National Crime Records Bureau data.
Bus commuters have been complaining of rash driving and about bus drivers not stopping at bus-shelters. Commuters have to struggle to board buses that stop ahead of shelters at crowded junctions.
“Not once have I found a bus that actually stops at the designated bus shelter. The drivers are so rash that if you don’t get a seat, you are in for a rickety ride,” said Ankita Rao, a techie who travels to Hitec City every day. Commuters have also complained that drivers stops buses in the middle of the road.
“Once, I almost bumped into a speeding two-wheeler as the rider was not aware that people were getting off the bus. When there are designated bus-shelters, why don’t buses stop there?” said Spandana Kumar, a student.
G. Jaya Rao, ED, RTC, said, “Sometimes, our drivers are at fault. A special training programme has been started to increase traffic law awareness among them. But, at times, since people stand on the road they prefer stopping a little ahead of the shelters.