What Caused the Haveri Bus Accident That Killed 13 in Karnataka?
Karnataka Bus Accident Today: According to the local police, the Haveri bus accident happened when the mini-bus driver fell asleep at the wheel, leading the vehicle to crash into a parked truck. The collision was intense, trapping several passengers inside the heavily damaged bus. All the victims, who were on their way back from a pilgrimage, were residents of Shivamogga.
A fatal bus crash on the wee hours of June 28 claimed 13 lives and left 2 critically injured.
The Karnataka bus accident today occurred at around 4 AM in Byadagi Taluk, where a mini-bus carrying passengers collided with a parked truck near Gundenahalli Cross.
The victims, all hailing from Shivamogga, were returning from a pilgrimage to the Yallamma temple in Savadatti, Belagavi district.
According to the local police, the Haveri bus accident happened when the mini-bus driver fell asleep at the wheel, leading the vehicle to crash into a parked truck. The collision was intense, trapping several passengers inside the heavily damaged bus.
The deceased include Parasuram (45), Bhagya (40), Nagesh (50), Vishalakshi (40), Manasa (24), Rupa (40), and Manjula (50). The identities of the other victims have not yet been confirmed.
Emergency responders, including police and fire brigade personnel, quickly arrived at the scene to assist survivors and recover the deceased from the wreckage. The 2 injured have been taken to a local hospital and are reported to be in critical condition.
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Cause of the Haveri Bus Accident
While initial investigations suggest that the bus driver’s falling asleep at the wheel was the main cause of the Haveri bus accident, it is essential to understand the broader context of bus drivers’ working conditions in India. Bus drivers in the country often endure significant stress and are overworked.
Many drivers face grueling schedules, with long hours on the road and minimal rest periods. This lack of sufficient sleep and rest can severely impact their alertness and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
A recent study has revealed that bus drivers in India face an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Fatigue among drivers is a well-documented cause of road mishaps, and it is not uncommon for drivers to operate vehicles while struggling to stay awake.
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The responsibility to address this issue lies with fleet operators. They must ensure that drivers have adequate rest periods and follow a proper schedule that allows for sufficient sleep. Regular health check-ups are also crucial to monitor and maintain the drivers’ well-being.
Operators need to implement and enforce regulations that prioritize the safety and health of their drivers, such as limiting the number of consecutive hours a driver can work and mandating breaks.
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Moreover, improving the working conditions of bus drivers is not just a matter of compliance but also of moral responsibility. Providing a supportive work environment, fair wages, and respect for their role can alleviate some of the pressures they face. By doing so, fleet operators can help reduce the occurrence of accidents caused by driver fatigue and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
