Latest news with #VinodKanumala
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Instead of 10-min lesson, overhaul learner's licence system: Experts
Hyderabad: Although the Centre has introduced a mandatory ten-minute lesson on road safety for learner's licence applicants on the Sarathi portal, experts suggest that such awareness initiatives are unlikely to improve road safety standards. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Meanwhile, the experts urged the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to implement comprehensive reforms to the driving licence framework, including improved driving training and enforcement mechanisms. They also suggested that authorities should provide certified private driving schools to conduct tests, establish uniform training standards and implement a demerit points structure for traffic rule violations. 'Multimedia presentations futile' The centralised Sarathi portal streamlines processes such as driving licences, vehicle registrations, permits, and other transport transactions. It now requires users to complete a road safety tutorial before proceeding with the online learner's licence test. Currently, the Sarathi system is being trialled at the Secunderabad RTA. It will soon be implemented across all regional transport centres in Greater Hyderabad, including Khairatabad. "Multimedia presentations, including audio and video materials, have proven ineffective in raising road safety awareness," said Vinod Kanumala, an expert from the Indian Federation of Road Safety. He has been conducting road safety awareness programmes for the past 25 years. Learner's test needs to be updated He emphasised that the questions in the learner's test have become outdated and require modernisation, particularly noting the absence of questions about pelican crossings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He also stressed the importance of reforming the driving licence system and advocated for the establishment of training schools for two-wheeler riders, as they are involved in 50% of accidents. "These schools should provide instruction on safe driving in monsoon and foggy conditions," he added. "Road safety awareness programmes alone are ineffective in enhancing safety standards on the roads. The authorities should implement strict regulations requiring drivers to undergo proper training, linking it to parking fee payments through their vehicle registration numbers if they fail to provide a certificate from the driving institute," said Dheerendra Samineni, a road safety expert, chief trainer and founder of Safe Drive India. Lack of awareness increases accident rate Furthermore, RTA officials say that a lack of awareness is contributing to the increased accident rate. "Nearly 80% of road incidents are caused by human error, primarily due to speeding and drink-driving. It is crucial to provide education and proper guidance during the initial licensing process to ensure that drivers understand safety protocols before they start driving on the roads," said M Chandrasekhar Goud, joint transport commissioner (IT & Vigilance).
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mishaps mount, but blood group still missing in T driving licences
Hyderabad: Telangana records over 25,000 road accidents resulting in 7,000 (approx) deaths every year, but licences in the state continue to lack one vital piece of information – the driver's blood group, which can be crucial in saving time and lives. The licence issued in state contains at least 10 to 15 other details including address, date of issue, validity etc., but the missing blood group remains a concern, especially in cases of medical emergencies, say road safety experts. Though the Central Motor Vehicles Rules provide a framework for states to include the blood group in licences, its implementation is optional and currently only Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa follow it. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Experts said that Telangana should also follow in their footsteps as it can save lives where the victim is unconscious after an accident and incapable of telling his blood group. They pointed out how delays in determining blood groups often complicated the treatment process, particularly during the golden hour. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Massachusetts Launches New Policy For Cars Used Less Than 50 Miles/day Insurance Auto Advice Undo "This is a very vital information and the Road Transport Authority (RTA) must enforce its mandatory inclusion in driving licences. At present, agents often process applications without obtaining this detail. This practice needs to be corrected to improve the effectiveness of emergency responses," said Vinod Kanumala, an expert from India Federation of Road Safety. He said that compulsory inclusion of blood group details in driving licences could be crucial in saving precious 30 minutes during accidents. Every year at least 1,000 fatalities occur due to severe head injuries leading to heavy blood loss, he said. "When accident victims are transported in ambulance, the medical team can quickly identify the blood group from their licence, enabling them to alert hospitals in advance for necessary blood transfusion," he said. Incidentally, in 2018, the then governor of Telangana ESL Narasimhan too had urged RTA to make the blood group information mandatory for driving licences when he had gone to renew his licence. "This is a clear case of negligence by RTA. When applying for a licence renewal or a new driving licence for those who have crossed 40, applicants must submit a medical certificate in Form 1(A) that includes their blood group. Despite this requirement, the RTA has not been updating their system with this vital info. A blood group test costs merely Rs 50, and the RTA should strictly enforce a policy of not issuing a licence without proper documentation of the applicant's blood group," said M Dayanand, general secretary of the Telangana Auto and Motor Welfare Union. RTA officials maintained that the column is unfilled as it is optional. "Since the Act does not mandate this requirement, it is omitted. However, we shall examine this issue and ensure that driving licences display this information when applicants provide their blood group particulars," said Chandrashekhar Goud, joint transport commissioner (IT & Vigilance).
