Mumbai: In the aftermath of the Kurla BEST bus crash, that claimed eight lives and left 41 injured, BEST general manager Anil Diggikar is keen on making simulator training for drivers mandatory, in addition to on-field training.
Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) has offered to conduct this training at its Churchgate centre,where 1,400 drivers, including 900 from MSRTC, were previously trained. Founded in 1919, WIAA is India’s oldest motoring organisation. It promotes road safety, advocates for motorists’ rights, and offers services like driver training and vehicle insurance. “We will request BEST to collaborate with us as we are a non-profit organisation and recognised by govt for road safety training and defensive driving techniques for drivers to reduce accidents,” said Nitin Dossa from WIAA.
During a visit by TOI to the centre on Wednesday, senior trainer A K Nandi, who is also senior WIAA general manager, spoke of a few drivers inadvertently pressing the accelerator, instead of the brake, on the simulator, as is suspected to have occurred in the Kurla bus crash. “If such instances arise during our training, we counsel the driver to eliminate fear or stress. Our drivers undergo comprehensive assessment—from proper seat adjustment, correct seatbelt usage, adherence to road signs, and maintaining front and peripheral vision awareness.”
Nandi, who has trained hundreds of drivers in two decades, said a simulator creates authentic environments for drivers, and any accident during simulated runs enables analysis without physical harm. The simulator evaluates numerous parameters digitally, monitoring accelerator, brake and clutch usage, manoeuvring on congested roads recreated on a wall display, and driving in varied conditions—in the day, at night and during monsoon. Nandi said WIAA additionally assesses drivers’ physical and mental fitness, providing feedback to bus authorities. With simulators, drivers can practise skills in challenging scenarios, said a trainer.
Dossa said WIAA can provide a simulator for BEST at its headquarters, if required, and customise a simulator as per the latest bus technology in the near future.
