Mumbai: Girgaon residents launches social media campaign to record and shame traffic violations

Screengrabs taken from a video shot by a resident, who saw a school bus driver on his phone behind the wheel. Pics/By Special Arrangement

In a move against reckless driving, Girgaon residents have launched a social media campaign urging citizens to record, share and report traffic violations. Citizen activists have flagged bus and school bus drivers allegedly seen talking on their phones while driving, along with concerns about speeding and unregistered electric bikes flouting safety norms.

Vigilant citizens

On October 14, a few citizen activists followed and stopped a school bus after the driver was allegedly seen on a call. They reprimanded the driver, urged the onboard attendant to take responsibility, and called on the Education Department to review student transport safety.

PeopleSpeak

Gaurav Sagwekar, member of citizen group Aamhi Girgaonkar
‘Unlike adults, little children don't understand that they must hold onto the bars in front of the seat for safety. Many younger children don't even have that grip strength. This is why we want to ensure that no driver does a reckless job and uses their phone while driving'

Vignesh Sunder, Girgaon resident
‘My child studies in junior kindergarten and travels to his school by bus. While we personally haven't faced these issues yet, I have witnessed such reckless bus driving in Girgaon, and I am always on the edge for the safety of my own ward. Ideally, school buses should have a camera right in front of the driver to monitor all activities'

Association view

School bus associations said buses complying with norms usually have cameras pointed at both the driver and students to ensure safety.

OfficialSpeak

Anil Garg, president, School Bus Owners' Association
‘It is crucial to point out incidents of reckless driving. If parents witness an incident, they can report it to the school, where the transport committee takes appropriate action. However, more often than not, it is parents who reach out to the bus drivers to know about their children'

EV and safety
The group has also written to the joint commissioner of traffic police, flagging problems caused by unregistered electric bikes. It highlighted the risks of helmet-less riding and jumping signals, especially when high-speed vehicles are also on the road. The group has urged the police to ensure the public understands that "No Registrations" does not mean "No Rules".