MYSURU: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been given a jolt by the death of one of its drivers Chennegowda, who suffered a cardiac arrest while on the job on Tuesday.
The transport utility has now decided to conduct classes on healthy lifestyle and habits for both its drivers and conductors.
Chennegowda (52), who hails from Kolakaranadoddi in Mandya district, died while he was driving a bus from the Maddur KSRTC depot to Mysuru. Fortunately, he managed to park the bus safely by the roadside before succumbing.
A KSRTC Regional Training Institute member told Express that Chennegowda may have been able to save himself, as he did the passengers, had he adopted a better lifestyle; Chennegowda was a chain smoker.
“Many of the drivers and conductors are addicted to smoking. Of course, there is a lot of stress involved in the work. The problem is that as soon as the drivers and conductors get their salary and other incentives, many rush to bars to have a few drinks. This habit has to be changed,” the officer said.
The officer said the department will now conduct regular breathalyzer tests on drivers who are habitual drinkers.