Shivamogga: Following the reopening of schools, Shivamogga district police on Monday launched a major crackdown on school transportation vehicles by conducting surprise inspections across the district.The special drive is aimed at ensuring the safety of schoolchildren by screening vehicle operators for drunk driving.During this extensive operation, district police subjected a total of 457 school vehicle drivers to breathalyser/ drunk and drive tests. Out of these, seven drivers tested positive for driving under the influence of alcohol, Shivamogga SP B Nikhil told reporters.Strict legal action was initiated immediately against the offenders. Police have registered formal drunk and drive (DD) cases against all the erring drivers and have submitted reports to Regional Transport Office (RTO), recommending the permanent cancellation of their driving licences (DL), the IPS officer informed.As part of the morning drive in Shivamogga city, traffic police personnel set up checkpoints at major junctions to stop school buses and vans ferrying students to schools and colleges. In addition to those checks, the officials inspected vehicle fitness parameters, instructing management and drivers to compulsorily maintain valid vehicle insurance, emission reports and fitness certificates (FCs) to ensure the safety of students.
