Disregard for traffic rules by a private bus resulted in the death of a two-wheeler rider at the Indira Gandhi Signal. | Photo Credit: T_Singaravelou more-in Reckless driving by private bus drivers has become a cause for concern for people commuting by other modes of transport and pedestrians. Several accidents involving private buses have been reported recently. The latest occurred on Monday evening at the Indira Gandhi Statue where rash and negligent driving resulted in the death of a 33-year-old person residing at Saram. The victim, Ravi Kumar, was knocked down by a speeding private bus which jumped the signal. . He died on the spot. About a month ago, a 32-year-old woman was fatally knocked down by a private bus while she was riding her two-wheeler near Villianur. A few months ago, a 42-year-old woman was crushed to death when a private bus rammed her two-wheeler on Thiruvalluvar Street at Nellithope. In all these cases, the police have registered a case under section 304 A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code. cAn errant driver booked under the Section can get a year’s imprisonment for the offence. Monday’s accident assumes significance as the incident occurred at a busy signal where clear speed restrictions are in place. Road users this correspondent spoke to are aghast at the reckless way in which some drivers push their way through narrow stretches at high speed even within town limits and through thickly populated neighbourhoods. “Several times I have had a narrow miss. They flout all traffic norms. The traffic and transport authorities are blind to the violations by private buses. The most affected are two-wheeler riders and pedestrians,” said Anand, a resident of Muthialpet. Siva, a resident of Saram, said the buses travel recklessly even during peak hours. “One should stand near traffic signals during morning hours to see how fast they drive showing scant regard for pedestrians and two-wheelers riders. Often, two-wheeler riders are bullied by the drivers by blaring air horns. Its scary,” he said. Commuters want the Transport Department and Traffic Police to cancel the licence of errant drivers and penalise them for reckless driving. Speed radars should also be kept on stretches where the violations are most common.

Stay updated with all the Latest Puducherry headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.