Auto drivers need lessons in behaviour

Auto drivers need lessons in behaviour
VIJAY TIMES NEWS

Bangalore: The State government has handed the autorickshaw drivers the chocolate in the form of the fare hike, but are they behaving? A short ride in an autorickshaw is enough to prove some violation or the other of Karnataka Motor V ehicles Rules.

Rule 13 (b) says auto drivers should not smoke while plying passengers. Is this followed by all drivers? Rule 13 (c) says he should behave in a civil and orderly manner with passengers or those intending to be passengers, and consignors or consignees of goods. The violation of this rule is as rampant as can be seen.

Clause (d) says he shall not shout to attract a customer , while clause (i) says he should not place any person, animal or goods in the drivers seat or in any poition that may impede his safe driving activities.

Not to forget here the daily scenes of auto drivers stuffing children and/or their bags in the drivers seat while plying them to and from schools.

Clause (f ) prohibits auto drivers fom interfering with persons mounting or preparing to mount his vehicle, which means any passenger can enter an autorickshaw for hire without permission and ask to be taken to his/her desired destination.

Rule 16 indicates that the auto driver , if on his way for lunch or off-duty time, or in case of any defect to his vehicle, must turn the meter flag to the centre position to indicate he is not available.

V arious clauses of Rule 16 pertain to discipline on the part of the driver including not using his vehicle for activities like prostitution or any crime, and not terminating any hiring after it has been engaged, until disengaged by the passenger .