To safeguard learners returning to school on April 27th the National Transport and Safety Authority is urging all school heads to audit their transport systems to ensure compliance with transport safety laws.
As traffic picks up on major highways, NTSA is calling for extra caution emphasizing that following the rules and looking out for one another is essential to making sure every child arrives at school safely.
Launched under the “Watoto Wafike Salama Campaign,” the rules come at a critical time as thousands of learners prepare to travel back to school.
In a statement released online, the transport Authority reminded school heads to double-check their vehicles to make sure every school bus was road-ready and equipped to follow all safety rules before students head back to class.
To counter the usual rise in accidents when schools open, officials are increasing checks on school transport to ensure strict compliance with safety laws. With co-curricular activities like sports and music festivals hitting their peak during the second term, the surge in school bus traffic makes road safety more critical than ever.
To prevent future accidents, NTSA has released an eight-point checklist focusing on the biggest safety risks for students with guidelines based on data from previous road incidents.
They stressed that all school buses must be well-maintained and fitted with essential safety features like seat belts. Additionally, schools have also been directed to hire competent, licensed drivers as this was vital in protecting learners on the road.
Furthermore, administrators were reminded that children are vulnerable road users who deserve a safe commute thereby requiring schools to strictly supervise their drivers and ensure all speed limiters are in perfect working order.
They cautioned schools against deviating from their approved routes, as this exposes children to danger urging administrators to make sure drivers stay on course and strictly obey all traffic regulations.
Moreover, NTSA also took issue with drivers operating under the influence of alcohol and other substances stating that such drivers should be out of the road. The Authority also emphasized that schools’ management must track driver performance on long journeys to stop accidents caused by tiredness.
The NTSA is holding education stakeholders accountable for all transport arrangements and schools that ignore the required safety standards face serious consequences, including losing their right to provide transport services.
by Hellen Lunalo
