The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a caution to road users ahead of school reopening next week, urging everyone to prioritize the safety of children as they travel back to school.
“As the festive season ends and the new academic school calendar begins, the Authority urges all road users to prioritize the safety of our children as they travel back to school,” NTSA stated in a press release on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
The Authority emphasized that ensuring road safety is a collective responsibility, urging motorists to avoid behaviors that could lead to accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
The NTSA raised concerns over an increase in traffic violations observed during multi-agency road safety compliance checks conducted across the country. These violations, they noted, pose a significant threat to children’s safety during the school reopening period.
In response, the NTSA announced that the multi-agency road safety compliance checks and the ongoing Usalama Barabarani education programme would continue nationwide to enhance awareness and enforcement.
The NTSA called on all road users to adhere to the Highway Code, drive cautiously, and reduce speed, especially in areas with heavy school traffic.
They also outlined specific requirements for vehicles transporting children, including:
- Valid insurance coverage.
- Functional speed limiters capable of transmitting data to the NTSA Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
- Roadworthiness certification and valid inspection certificates.
- Compliance with all licensing requirements, such as road service licenses.
The NTSA advised parents, guardians, and caregivers to use the free NTSA Mobile App, available on the Google Play Store, to verify the compliance status of public service vehicles, drivers, and conductors before allowing children to board.
“Children must not be allowed to board non-compliant vehicles to ensure their safety,” the Authority warned.
The NTSA also appealed to the public to report reckless drivers and non-compliant vehicles. “We urge all citizens to continue advocating for road safety by being on the lookout and reporting non-compliant vehicles and reckless drivers. Necessary actions will be taken against motorists endangering the lives of road users,” they added.
The Authority concluded by emphasizing that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on private motorists, public service vehicle operators, school management, and parents to play their part in safeguarding children’s well-being during this critical period.
