Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jun 19: In a proactive move to ensure the safety of school children, the Udupi district police conducted a special vehicle inspection drive in front of schools across all seven taluks of the district on the morning of Thursday, June 19.

As per the directive issued by superintendent of police (SP) Hariram Shankar, police station heads were instructed to closely monitor school transportation. Officers and staff from respective police station jurisdictions carried out inspections near key junctions and school premises.

The campaign targeted auto-rickshaws, private vehicles, school buses, and two-wheelers transporting students. Strict action was taken against those violating safety norms—particularly vehicles found carrying more students than permitted. Two-wheeler riders transporting more than two children were issued warnings.

SP Hariram Shankar stated that the district-wide drive focused on verifying compliance with traffic and safety regulations. This included checking for overloading, valid fitness certificates, and any instances of drunk driving. He emphasized that the primary objective of the campaign is to ensure the safe commute of children to and from schools. 

Speaking about the special drive, he said, "A total of 930 vehicles were checked, and 282 cases were filed for IMV violations during the special drive conducted in Udupi district on June 19. A total fine of Rs 1,58,800 was collected. One case of drunk driving was registered under the Manipal police station limits. Additionally, 48 cases of overloading, 39 cases related to lack of documents, and 194 other violations were recorded. If these violations continue, more stringent action will be taken.”

Several incidents involving school vehicles—such as accidents and wrong-side driving—have been reported in recent days. On the morning of Wednesday, June 18, a bus carrying school children was involved in a collision with a truck in Brahmavar, resulting in minor injuries to the students. In another incident, a school bus was caught driving on the wrong side of the road. The issue was promptly reported to the police department by alert citizens.