FIXED DRIVING HOURS for commercial truck drivers to reduce road accidents

The issue of drivers’ safety has always been one of the biggest concerns for the industry. In view of this, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, Government of India, with an aim to reduce road accidents, has pitched for fixed driving hours for commercial truck drivers. He also spoke in favour of installing onboard sleep detection sensors in commercial vehicles for added safety. The Road Transport and Highways Minister said, “Driving hours for truck drivers should be fixed similar to pilots to reduce fatigue-induced road accidents.”

Earlier, Gadkari attended the introductory meeting of new members nominated to the National Road Safety Council (NRSC). The minister also said that he has now directed the council to meet every two months and share their updates. About one-fourth of the truck drivers featured in a 2018 study conducted by lubricant manufacturer Castrol complained of sleep deprivation.