he National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced a series of proposals aimed at improving the safety of children while boarding and disembarking from school buses.
Among the key measures, NTSA plans to deploy crossing guards at designated locations to manage traffic where students enter or exit schools and at pedestrian crossings. These guards will direct and control traffic, ensuring the safety of students during peak hours.
“Pick-up and drop-off hours within school zones can be very dangerous for children, and measures must be taken to safeguard their safety,” NTSA emphasized on Wednesday.
The Authority has also proposed the installation of a reflectorized red ‘stop signal arm’ at the front and rear of school buses exceeding 30 feet in length. The device would extend outward to signal other motorists to stop while students board or alight.
Motorists who fail to stop for a school bus when the signal arm is activated would face strict penalties, including a six-month suspension of their driving license upon conviction, as outlined in the Draft Traffic (School Transport) Rules 2024.
Additional Safety Enhancements
Other proposed measures include:
- Vehicle attendants: School buses will require trained attendants to assist students during boarding and alighting.
- Fire extinguishers: All school transport vehicles must carry at least one fire extinguisher meeting applicable safety standards.
- Telematics systems: Buses will be equipped with telematics systems, including passenger-facing cameras, to monitor safety.
To enhance visibility, all school buses must display the words ‘SCHOOL BUS’ on the front and rear. Additionally, the rear of the buses must include the warning: ‘DO NOT PASS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING,’ written in block letters at least eight inches tall.
These measures, NTSA stated, are part of an ongoing effort to reduce risks to schoolchildren and enhance safety standards in school transport across the country.
