Truck drivers demand better pay, safety, stricter rules

Truck driver Balmiki Bind speaking to reporters on their demands.

Photo Credits: Manuel Vaz



OLD GOA

Several truck drivers got together in the parking area near the Shyamprasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim and made several suggestions to the Centre to ensure traffic safety in the country.

Speaking to reporters on behalf of the truck drivers, driver Balmiki Bind stated that if traffic rules are implemented strictly then the chances of mishaps happening will lessen.

“Whenever accidents happen, it is usually the drivers of heavy vehicles who are blamed and are beaten by the public. It is because of this reason that the truck drivers flee from the mishap site instead of coming to the aid of the victim,” Bind said, while stating that the authorities should ensure that the truck drivers get safety and the one who starts the assault be penalised.

Further, Bind said that all vehicles, including 2-wheelers and 4-wheeler, should be compulsorily fitted with cameras.

“If cameras are installed then it would help in finding out the one who is at fault and then it becomes easy to punish the guilty,” Bind said.

Apart from the above suggestions, Bind demanded that those drivers driving heavy vehicles without license should be caught and penalised.

He also demanded that the payment should be increased of the truck drivers so that they do not indulge in illegalities.

“The truck drivers who drive vehicles of less than 10 wheels should be given Rs 30,000-40,000 and those driving vehicles of more than 10 wheels should be paid Rs 50,000,” he demanded and informed that it would help in the drivers doing their jobs without resorting to illegal things like stealing diesel.

“Also, it is observed that many drivers resort to overspeeding and also drive under the influence of alcohol. Such drivers have to be dealt with strictly so that the roads become safe,” Bind added.

Finally, Bind requested these suggestions have to be implemented not only in Goa but in entire India and that the Prime Minister should look into their demands.