From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SB)

Bangalore, Mar 22: Underlining the importance of taking care of the health of the drivers, especially those engaged in plying goods transport vehicles, and creating an awareness about maintaining good health of the drivers, stste joint commissioner of transport Vincent D’Souza said studies conducted about road accidents throughout the world prove that at least 20% of road accidents were due to the health of drivers.

Inaugurating a five-day Community Convention programme organized by the Karnataka Goods Transporters’ Association (KGTA)- Seva, funded by the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society  (KSAP )at the State-owned D Devaraj Urs Truck Terminal Ltd (DDUTL) at Yeshwanthpur here, he said most of the road accidents were found to be due to sleepiness, tiredness and other health-related problems of the drivers, which could easily be prevented if sufficient care was taken.

The drivers, helpers, cleaners and other labourers engaged in the truck transport industry were the most unorganized and vulnerable sections of society, he said pointing out that it was possible to organize drivers and other employees in state transport undertakings or even autorickshaw drivers but not those involved in truck transport industry.

Appreciating the initiative taken by the KGTA-SEVA and KSAP to educate the truck drivers, cleaners, helpers and other labourers about AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and also in arranging periodic health check-ups, D’Souza said the state transport department was also encouraging such efforts. Regular blood check-ups, eye-camps, detection of diabetes, blood-pressure and other problems besides arranging proper rest-rooms and hygienic food was necessary, he said.

KGTA-Seva director V R Fernandes, who presided over the function, said the truck transport industry was the country’s backbone as the drivers ply goods and equipments from place to place all over the country often spending weeks or months away from their homes and loved ones. Apart from regular health hazards like tiredness, sleepiness, lack of proper rest or food, as well as blood-pressure, diabetes etc, the driving community was susceptible to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

He said the KGTA-Seva will also hold HIV testing, eye-camps, general health check-ups and other socio-health activities. The health camp, with a special eye-camp conducted by doctors from M S Ramaiah Hospital on Tuesday, will go on till March 26, Fernandes said.

Bangalore City Lorry Transport Owners' Association president Sundar Rao, Nelamangala regional transport officer Murthy, TCI Foundation Programme officer Raju Kullolli, Dr Venkatesh Murthy of TCIF and other office-bearers of KGTA participated in the function. KGTA-Seva counsellor Sangamesh S Chaur welcomed and later proposed the vote of thanks.