Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 7: A safety system designed to protect passengers and drivers in tourist vehicles has come under scrutiny after a police inspection found that panic buttons installed as a mandatory emergency measure were not functioning properly.
During a verification drive conducted on Thursday, police discovered that some panic button devices fitted in tourist vehicles failed to send emergency alerts, raising serious questions over the effectiveness of the system introduced to ensure quick assistance during critical situations.
The Karnataka government had made panic buttons mandatory in most tourist vehicles across the state as part of efforts to improve passenger and driver safety. However, the Taxi Men and Maxicab Association has alleged that vehicle owners and drivers are being forced to pay amounts higher than the prescribed charges in the name of recharge and top-up services after the first year of installation.
Following a complaint submitted by association office-bearers to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), the concerned agents and a few vehicles were called for an on-the-spot inspection to verify the allegations.
During the inspection, the agents maintained that the panic button devices were working properly. However, in the presence of the DCP, the panic buttons were pressed several times — but no emergency alert was received by the police control room.
The system also failed to provide any response or confirmation message to the vehicle drivers after activation. The failure has added weight to concerns that the safety devices installed to provide emergency support may not actually be operational when needed.
The incident has raised questions over the maintenance and monitoring of the panic button system, which was introduced as a crucial safety feature for tourist vehicles.
Taking the matter seriously, the DCP said information would be collected from the concerned agents and a detailed report would be submitted to the Transport Department for further necessary action.
The association representatives have demanded a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities in the panic button system. They have also sought a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged excess charges collected from vehicle owners and drivers under the pretext of recharge and top-up services.
The inspection has now put the spotlight on whether mandatory safety equipment installed in commercial vehicles is being properly maintained and whether passengers can rely on the system during emergencies.