Nitin Gadkari Launches Driver Training Center Policy to Reduce Road Accidents

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has launched a Driver Training Center Policy aimed at reducing road accidents by enhancing driver training and implementing safety technologies in heavy vehicles.
Key Highlights of the Policy
•    Mandatory Safety Technologies:
o    Electronic Stability Control and Automatic Emergency Braking Systems will now be compulsory in heavy vehicles to prevent collisions.
o    Driver Drowsiness Detection System will alert drivers in case of fatigue to avoid accidents caused by drowsiness.
•    Investment in Training Centers:
o    1,250 new training centers and vehicle fitness centers will be opened across India.
o    A total investment of ₹4,500 crore has been allocated for this initiative.
•    Employment Opportunities:
o    The centers are expected to train 25 lakh new drivers and provide them with licenses.
o    15 lakh people will get employment through these centers.

Restrictions on Driving Hours
•    Gadkari highlighted recent fatal accidents, such as the Jaipur accident, where a driver operated a vehicle continuously from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
•    Following European driving regulations, no driver will be allowed to drive for more than 8 hours continuously.
•    New system integration:
o    The vehicle engine will only start when linked to the driver's ID card.
o    After 8 hours of driving, the engine will automatically stop unless a second driver swaps their card.
Gadkari also announced that a draft Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill will be finalized within a month and sent to the Cabinet for approval.