Khushi Bajpai
Published on: 6th October, 2022 at 20:48 IST
The Kerala High Court has called for stern action against tourist buses modified illegally and YouTube vloggers who promote such vehicles, saying they represent a “possible threat to the safety of passengers and other road users” in the aftermath of the deadly Wadakkanchery tragedy in the Palakkad district.
The Court stated that the tourist bus involved in the collision had multiple unpermitted modifications since its passenger cabin was equipped with flashing lights, high-powered audio systems, neon lights, and multicoloured LED, laser, and neon lights. The bus’s windscreen was covered in sizable graphic lettering that obscured the driver’s vision.
The court also pointed out that the car that struck a KSRTC bus in the early morning hours of October 6 had a multi-toned horn installed in defiance of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.
The Court made the following comment after citing video of the bus that was involved in the accident, which resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including five students: “I’ve watched the aforementioned video cutting and looked at screen photos in open court. The aforementioned screen images and video clippings would make it abundantly evident that the contract transportation in question was employed in a public setting in violation of the safety requirements outlined in AIS-008. “
The Court made reference to an earlier order it issued in June 2022, which instructed authorities to take legal action against vehicles equipped with unauthorized audio and visual systems.
The court panel, which was made up of Justices Anil K. Narendran and PG Ajithkumar, also vehemently denounced the behaviour of vloggers and others who post videos on “YouTube” and other online platforms endorsing driving in public and disregarding safety regulations. The transportation commissioner has been ordered to take action against them.
Screenshots from many YouTube videos promoting such automobiles were posted on the bench. The contract carriages in the screen pictures previously reproduced in paragraphs 7 and 8 of this order shall be the subject of actions by the Transport Commissioner through the relevant Enforcement Officers in the Motor Vehicles Department.
Additionally, he will get the names and contact information of the vloggers who published the promotional posts and videos on YouTube and other websites.