Tackling issue of rash drivers via training, claims BEST

Sunday's accident has raised concerns afresh about the safety of commuters using BEST buses in the city. Although prima facie it seems the BEST bus driver was not at fault in the Marol accident, several incidents in the recent past have been reported wherein BEST bus drivers were found guilty of reckless driving.

In two separate fatal mishaps in February this year, a BEST bus ran over a biker near Dharavi Depot and in Chembur a BEST bus driver rammed into a wall near Hindustan Petroleum killing a pedestrian.

BEST General Manager Surendra Bagade said, "We have taken action against reckless drivers in the past. We also arrange training for the drivers and instruct them against driving rashly. It is a continuous process".

Manda Shete, a resident of Chembur, said, "BEST buses are big and occupy large space on roads. On small roads it is scary to even drive a two-wheeler near a BEST bus considering the recent accidents. BEST bus drivers drive rashly on empty roads. 

They also skip many signals. This is a big safety concern, not only for passengers inside the bus but also pedestrians and motorists."

• An internal evaluation carried out by the BEST Undertaking earlier this year found that a BEST bus is involved in an accident mostly on the left rear end (30 per cent) and front sides (22 per cent each on left and right side).
   
• As per BEST statistics, from January 2016 to February 2017, 16 deaths occurred due to BEST bus accidents. 2015-16 recorded 22 fatalities.
   
• However, the BEST Undertaking says that its track record is improving compared to the 47 fatalities in 2010-11.