The Aurangabad division of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Sunday initiated the traffic safety fortnight at Central Bus Stand by releasing a health calendar to create awareness among its drivers. Through the calendar, the MSRTC wants that around 7,500 drivers working for the Aurangabad division, which comprises seven districts, are in a good frame of mind while driving and maintain good health, as lives of more than 50 passengers at a time depend on them.
Speaking at the inauguration of the road safety drive, MSRTC divisional controller Rajendra Patil stressed the need to maintain quality of services. “Considering the increasing competition from private players, the MSRTC should offer safe and high quality services to passengers. It should conduct physical tests of drivers and conductors as well as organise health check-up camps for them,” Patil said.
“The MSRTC plans to educate drivers and passengers about safe travel during the drive. The aim is to make the journey of passengers more comfortable and accident-free. It is possible only when we adhere strictly to traffic rules and safety guidelines,” he said.
Besides, the MSRTC has also urged drivers and conductors to go for regular health check-ups. The health calendar for drivers has been designed by dietician and an employee of MSRTC, Alka Karnik. “The purpose of the health calendar is to address health issues that the drivers and conductors face due to professional hazards,” Karnik said.
“Research has shown that bus drivers have higher rates of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal disorders than others. It is of utmost importance that drivers are fit mentally as well as healthy to arrest traffic-related fatalities,” she said.
“Drivers and conductors face a lot of health issues due to their irregular schedule, long sedentary work, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet and addiction to alcohol and tobacco,” she said. The health calendar helps them remain fit by having healthy food and also guides them on how to de-stress while at work. Besides, it also warns of health-related issues, which might arise by eating spicy food at dhabas. Karnik said drivers and conductors should avoid smoking and eating gutka. “Instead, they should drink enough water, which will help maintain body temperature and protect them from general health problems,” she added.
News : Times Of India