The state government of Tamil Nadu has issued an order stating that if rental cars are driven by the same driver for more than 8 hours, the concerned driver’s driving licence will be cancelled.
The announcement, released by the Tamil Nadu Road Safety Commission states that the number of highways road accidents and related loss of lives are a matter of a very serious concern. In Tamil Nadu, 17218 persons died in road accidents in 2016, In the year 2017, until October, 14077 persons have died due to road accidents.
When reviewing and analyzing the statistics related to road accidents, it was established that 90% of the road accidents are caused due to the drivers who drive for continuous long durations who get fatigued and mentally stressed while driving for long durations continuously.
In this analysis, it was also found that the drivers who drive tourist vehicles are prominent causing a number of road accidents and loss of lives.
The Road Safety Commission has strictly advised that the traffic rules and regulations must be strictly followed as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and Motor Transport Employees Act 1961 in order to reduce the number of accidents and loss of lives caused by the vehicle drivers.
Accordingly, the drivers who drive tourist vehicles should not drive continuously for more than 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. They must also have a 1-day break every week.
The drivers of the tourist vehicles should not be asked to take up to continue driving after completing their duty period. They must undergo the annual medical test and also should have personal coverage of life insurance.
Action will be initiated to cancel the driving licence temporarily in case of drivers who violate the traffic rules and regulations.
The permit will not be resumed for the vehicles which violate traffic rules and regulations.
It is emphasised that in order to reduce the road accidents and loss of lives in Tamil Nadu, the traffic rules and regulations must be followed very strictly.