Recently, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s convoy made headlines after it was involved in an accident, sparking renewed interest in the security features and arrangements provided to such leading figures.

When the Chief Minister’s vehicle drives through the city of Thiruvananthapuram, it is usually accompanied by a standard convoy of four vehicles, including escort and pilot cars. However, additional police vehicles often join the convoy. When traveling outside the city, an additional pilot vehicle, an ambulance and local police vehicles are usually included.

During the accident at Vamanapuram, an area under the jurisdiction of Venjaramoodu Police Station, an ambulance and a regional pilot were part of the convoy. Five vehicles of the CM convoy collided one after the other in this accident. It is believed that the pilot vehicle applying the brakes suddenly led to the collision.

An investigation will also assess whether there was any negligence on the part of the driver of the vehicle following the pilot. Thiruvananthapuram Range DIG Ajeetha Begum has directed rural SP Kiran Narayanan to submit a report on the Vamanapuram accident. Further action will be decided upon review of this report.

The incident involving the Prime Minister’s convoy happened the other day. The prime minister’s car was also damaged in the accident. Five vehicles were involved, including the Chief Minister’s car and escort vehicles. The accident occurred when the pilot vehicle applied the brakes to avoid hitting a motorcyclist who was trying to turn right.

• Tailgating: The convoy featured “tailgating,” a dangerous driving practice in which each vehicle follows the one in front at a minimum distance. The rule is to keep enough distance to stop safely if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.
• Speed ​​regulations: Convoys are expected to follow a set speed without sudden accelerations or decelerations. However, this guideline was not followed by the Chief Minister’s convoy.
• Lane marking violation: The crash site had double yellow divider-like lines indicating an intersection area. However, the convoy passed over this line entirely.

Are VIPs exempt?

VIP convoys are subject to traffic rules, including those related to yellow lines and red lights. However, security personnel have the authority to circumvent these rules if necessary for security reasons. The permission granted to VIP vehicles by bypassing traffic lights is based on security considerations.