Hyderabad traffic officials have identified that 55,995 school bus drivers employed by educational institutions were using mobile phones while transporting students. The Hyderabad Traffic Police disclosed these findings during a coordination meeting titled “Safety for School Children,” which involved government agencies and school managements.
Alarming Helmet Violations Among Children
Officials also highlighted that 94% of children traveling as pillion riders on two-wheelers do not wear helmets, despite the Motor Vehicles Act mandating it. The meeting addressed growing concerns over road safety among schoolchildren.
According to officials, nearly 7,500 people lose their lives in road accidents annually in Telangana, with children accounting for a significant proportion of fatalities. Between January and May 2026, seven children reportedly died in road accidents, including cases linked to underage driving and non-use of helmets.
Call for Comprehensive Transport Records
Joel Davis, joint commissioner of police (Traffic), urged schools to maintain detailed records of students’ modes of transport, including private vehicles and autorickshaws. “School managements should not limit themselves to tracking students who use school buses. They should also maintain a database of children using private transportation and share the information with authorities when required,” he stated.
Authorities also identified vision-related issues among 316 of the 1,014 school bus drivers screened, raising concerns about the safety of children commuting to and from schools.
Traffic Congestion and Rash Driving Concerns
School representatives raised concerns about traffic congestion around educational institutions. A representative of Jubilee Hills Public School requested one-way traffic regulation during peak hours, noting that multiple schools in the area experience severe congestion during drop-off and pick-up times.
Mangu Jyothi of Success School highlighted the problem of rash driving near her school and sought increased police deployment in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, a government school headmaster pointed to monsoon-related traffic disruptions caused by autorickshaws. “Though school ends at 4 pm, students often reach home only by 7 pm or 8 pm during heavy rains. Primary school students should be allowed to leave earlier during the monsoon season,” the headmaster suggested.
Police Commissioner Stresses Implementation
Speaking at the event, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar stressed that awareness campaigns alone would not suffice. “These events alone cannot bring change. The recommendations discussed today must be implemented by school managements, parents and students,” he said, adding that action would be taken against school bus drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol.
Expressing concern over rising instances of underage driving and other behavioral issues, Sajjanar stated: “Children are increasingly getting involved in offenses related to drugs, underage driving, and harassment of women. Schools and parents must work together to ensure that children develop a sense of responsibility and discipline.”
A total of 2,539 cases of underage driving were booked between January 1 and May 31, 2026.
The commissioner also felicitated representatives of schools that have appointed traffic marshals to promote road safety awareness around school premises.
GHMC and UNICEF Weigh In
GHMC commissioner RV Karnan, IAS, raised concerns about parents parking vehicles on roads while waiting to pick up their children. “We want to make Hyderabad a truly safe city for children, and GHMC will work closely with all stakeholders to achieve that goal,” he said.
Dr. Zelalem Birhanu, UNICEF chief of field office for Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, remarked: “Every child has the right to travel safely to and from school. Protecting children on roads is an investment in our future.”
During enforcement drives, a school bus driver was caught driving under the influence of alcohol and was found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of more than 300, raising serious concerns about the safety of children traveling in school buses.
